Cadillac Confirms Colton Herta as Test Driver for 2026 F1 Debut

Cadillac F1 has announced that IndyCar star Colton Herta will join its Formula 1 project as the official test driver for its inaugural 2026 season. This move marks a significant step towards Herta's long-standing ambition to compete in F1.

Why it matters:

Herta’s appointment is a pivotal moment for both the American driver and Cadillac's entry into Formula 1. It firmly positions an American talent within an American-led F1 team, potentially paving the way for a future race seat and boosting the sport's appeal in the US.

The details:

• Team Affiliation: Herta joins the squad owned by TWG Motorsport, which also operates Andretti Global, his current IndyCar team.
• Current Roster: He will work alongside recently confirmed race drivers Valtteri Bottas and Sergio Perez.
• Herta’s Ambition: The 25-year-old expressed immense excitement, calling it a “dream opportunity” and a “huge step” towards his goal of racing in Formula 1.
• Super License: Herta needs six more FIA super license points to be eligible for an F1 race seat, leading to speculation about a potential Formula 2 campaign next year to secure these points.
• Team Perspective: Team boss Graeme Lowdon highlighted Herta’s “exceptional talent” and the significance of an American driver joining an American F1 team, emphasizing his role in building a competitive future.
• Previous F1 Experience: Herta previously tested F1 machinery with McLaren in 2022.

What's next:

While this confirmation doesn't guarantee a race seat, it places Herta firmly on the path to F1. His immediate focus will be on contributing to Cadillac F1's development and securing the necessary super license points. This partnership sets the stage for a potential breakthrough into the pinnacle of motorsport.