IndyCar Colton Herta Appointed Cadillac Test Driver As He Risks All For Formula 1 Dream

For years, Colton Herta has been touted as the American most likely to break into Formula 1. Now, the 25-year-old IndyCar star has taken the boldest step of his career, leaving behind a comfortable role in the U.S. series to chase his ultimate dream. Herta has officially been appointed as Cadillac’s F1 test driver for 2026, while also preparing for a season in Formula 2—a move that could either secure his long-awaited grand prix chance or bring his ambitions crashing down.

Herta Appointed Cadillac Test Driver In Formula 1 Push

The announcement came via the Off Track podcast, where both Herta and Cadillac F1 chief executive Dan Towriss confirmed the news. It marks a pivotal moment not only for Herta but also for Cadillac, the American manufacturer preparing for its debut season in Formula 1.

Herta has been one of IndyCar’s brightest stars since 2019, racking up nine race wins and building a reputation for daring overtakes and raw speed. Yet, despite his success, he has faced a persistent obstacle: the FIA’s super licence points system.

Under current regulations, his IndyCar achievements have not earned him enough points to qualify for an F1 licence. That technicality has repeatedly stalled his path, even when teams showed genuine interest in him. Now, Cadillac has provided a new lifeline—albeit with risks attached.

Cadillac’s Line-Up: Bottas And Perez Take The Race Seats

Herta Lands F1 Gig with Cadillac Test Role

Cadillac’s debut Formula 1 line-up is already a strong one, with seasoned race winners Valtteri Bottas and Sergio Pérez signed on two-year deals. That means Herta, for now, will serve strictly as a test and development driver, with no guarantee of a race seat.

Dan Towriss was clear about the challenge ahead:

“I’m confident Colton will get his shot, but he’s got to earn it, right? He’s not entitled to the seat. He’s not guaranteed the seat from that standpoint, he’s going over to prove that he belongs in Formula 1.”

Those words underline the reality of Herta’s gamble. He will need to impress not only Cadillac but also the wider F1 paddock if he is to carve out a role on the grid.

Leaving IndyCar Behind: A ‘Big Risk’ For Herta

In making the switch, Herta has walked away from his established position with Andretti’s IndyCar team—a move that raised eyebrows across the racing community. Towriss, who also serves as CEO of Andretti, acknowledged the scale of the gamble:

“He’s taking a big risk. The most comfortable thing he could have done was stay in IndyCar, where he was well paid and successful. Instead, he chose the unconventional path. He’s going to be going into F2. He’s got to learn new tracks, new tyres—everything is different. I couldn’t be more proud of Colton for taking that risk, to pursue his dream.”

The challenge ahead is daunting. Formula 2 is the breeding ground for future F1 stars, but it is also unforgiving. Races are shorter, tyres degrade quickly, and the margin for error is tiny. Herta will be competing against drivers who have spent years in the European junior system, learning the quirks of the circuits he has never raced on.

Herta: ‘It’s A Risk, But This Is My Dream’

For Herta himself, the decision boiled down to one simple truth: he did not want to live with regrets.

“The easy thing would be to stay in IndyCar, that would be simple for me. But this is a dream of mine. I want to fight for my dream, and that is to try to make it to Formula 1. And this is my opportunity. It’s a risk. So I thought this is my last shot at it. I want to take that chance. For me, it’s really just about fighting for my dream.”

That sense of urgency resonates with many who have followed his career. At 25, Herta is reaching the stage where the window for breaking into F1 is narrowing. Most rookies debut in their late teens or early twenties. To succeed now, he will need to combine maturity with the same hunger that fuelled his IndyCar rise.

Cadillac’s F1 Project: A Statement Of Ambition

Herta’s role with Cadillac is not just about his future—it’s also a signal of intent from the American manufacturer. By entering Formula 1 with a driver like Herta in their ranks, Cadillac is underlining its ambition to connect with U.S. fans and strengthen the country’s presence in the sport.

With three U.S. races on the calendar—Austin, Miami, and Las Vegas—Formula 1 is booming stateside. Having an American driver fighting for a seat with an American brand is the kind of storyline that could capture imaginations and grow the sport even further.

What Success Would Look Like

For Herta, success in the short term means proving himself in Formula 2. A strong season—regular points, podiums, perhaps even a title challenge—would not only boost his super licence tally but also show that he can adapt to the demands of European racing.

From there, opportunities could open up. Pérez and Bottas are both proven race winners but also at stages in their careers where younger drivers will eventually be lined up to replace them. If Herta delivers, Cadillac could well turn to him as their long-term star.

Conclusion: A Fork In The Road For Herta’s Career

Colton Herta’s appointment as Cadillac’s test driver represents a defining moment in his journey. It is a leap into the unknown, a rejection of comfort in favor of possibility. There are no guarantees—only risks, challenges, and the faint but powerful glimmer of his dream.

If it pays off, Herta could become the face of American Formula 1 racing, the man who finally breaks through after decades of waiting. If it fails, he will return to IndyCar knowing he at least gave it everything.

For now, though, the focus is on 2026, Formula 2, and the long road ahead. Herta has rolled the dice. The question is: will his gamble deliver the reward he has chased for so long?