Herta signs for Cadillac F1: Test Driver alongside Pérez and Bottas in 2026

Colton Herta has been confirmed as a test driver for the new Cadillac Formula 1 team, preparing for his debut in next year’s season. The announcement of the American driver in his new role comes a week after the team confirmed Sergio Pérez and Valtteri Bottas as their drivers for the 2026 season. Herta already had a connection with Cadillac through his IndyCar team, Andretti, which is also run by the TWG Motorsports group.

I’m incredibly excited to join the Cadillac Formula 1 team as a test driver. This is a dream opportunity, and one I’ve been working towards for a long time.

Colton Herta

Being part of the Cadillac F1 entry at such a crucial moment is something I couldn’t pass up. My dream has always been to race in Formula 1, and I see this move as a big step towards that goal. For now, my focus is on giving everything I can to Cadillac F1, helping to build a competitive team.

At 25 years old, Herta has been on the F1 radar for several years, following his role as a development driver with McLaren in 2022 and the interest of Red Bull’s junior team, AlphaTauri, in 2023. However, the lack of an FIA superlicense has always been a barrier to entering F1. After finishing seventh in this year’s IndyCar championship, he still lacks five points of the 40 required to apply for it. Recently, the American publication Racer reported that Herta was in talks with Formula 2 teams to join next year. The F2 offers more points for the super license than IndyCar and is also a support series for F1 on several circuits on the calendar. Participating in F1 practice sessions could be another way to obtain a super license for Herta, with each appearance on a race weekend offering a point towards his total. However, Wednesday’s announcement did not reveal specific details of Cadillac’s plans for Herta next season.

We are delighted to welcome Colton Herta as a test driver. Colton is an exceptionally talented racer with demonstrated speed, race craft, and maturity, which exceed his years.

Graeme Lowdon, Cadillac team director

His experience in top-level American motorsport as part of the TWG Motorsport family makes him the ideal candidate for this role, and he will bring a valuable and innovative vision, perspective, and energy to our team as we continue to build for the future.

Graeme Lowdon, Cadillac team director

Cadillac will become the eleventh F1 team next year, when it joins the grid as a new entry. Initially powered by Ferrari engines with a chassis built in the UK, Cadillac’s long-term plans include establishing its F1 operation in a new factory in Fishers, Indiana, and building its own power units by 2029.