Colton Herta Joins Cadillac F1 as 2026 Test Driver

IndyCar Winner Colton Herta Named Cadillac F1 Test Driver for 2026 Season

American IndyCar driver Colton Herta has been appointed test driver for the Cadillac Formula 1 team, marking a major step toward his long-held dream of competing in F1.

Herta, 25, has been one of the standout talents in American motorsport since his IndyCar debut in 2019, securing nine race victories and building a reputation for speed, intelligence, and fearless racing.

“This is a dream opportunity, and one I’ve been working towards for a long time,” said Herta.

“My dream has always been to race in Formula 1, and I see this move as a huge step towards that goal. For now, my focus is on giving everything I can to Cadillac F1, helping build a competitive team.”

A Strategic Move Toward an F1 Race Seat

Cadillac, which will enter Formula 1 in 2026, revealed that Herta’s full 2026 racing programme will be announced “in due course.” However, hints suggest a possible return to European racing, possibly Formula 2, which would help Herta accumulate the points needed for an FIA Super Licence.

Herta previously caught the attention of Red Bull, who considered him for a Formula 1 seat in 2023. However, his lack of a super licence ultimately prevented the move. Now, Cadillac may help him gain eligibility through either IndyCar results or a switch to Formula 2—the official feeder series for F1.

Cadillac and Andretti: The American Motorsport Nexus

Herta currently races in IndyCar with Andretti Global, a team operated by TWG, the same group backing the Cadillac F1 project. Cadillac F1 CEO Dan Towriss emphasized the team’s vision to create a path for American drivers to break into Formula 1.

“It is important to us to make sure there is a pathway for an American driver into F1,” said Towriss.

“But for this inaugural season, this was the right combination,” referring to race drivers Valtteri Bottas and Sergio Perez.

A Milestone for American Motorsport

Cadillac team principal Graeme Lowdon called the appointment of Herta “a hugely significant moment” for American motorsport:

“Colton is an exceptionally talented racer with proven speed, race craft, and maturity well beyond his years,” Lowdon said.

“Having an American driver join an American Formula 1 team is not only exciting for us but symbolic for the sport’s growth in the U.S.”

Herta brings not just raw speed but valuable North American racing experience, which the new team hopes to harness as it prepares to enter the F1 grid in a highly anticipated 2026 season.