Cadillac F1 Confirms IndyCar Star Colton Herta as Test Driver

Cadillac's new Formula 1 team has officially announced the signing of nine-time IndyCar race winner Colton Herta as a test driver, marking a significant step for both the American outfit and Herta's F1 aspirations. Cadillac is set to debut in F1 next year as the 11th team, expanding the grid to 22 cars.

Why it matters:

This signing solidifies Cadillac's driver development program as they prepare for their F1 entry. For Herta, it's a crucial move towards achieving his long-held dream of racing in Formula 1, placing him directly within an F1 team environment.

The big picture:

Cadillac has already confirmed F1 veterans Valtteri Bottas and Sergio Perez as their primary drivers for the inaugural season. Herta, at 25, brings extensive open-wheel experience and a strong racing pedigree from IndyCar, where he has been a consistent front-runner.

The details:

• Herta's Reaction: "I’m incredibly excited to be joining the Cadillac F1 team as a test driver. This is a dream opportunity, and one I’ve been working towards for a long time. To be part of Cadillac F1’s entry at such a pivotal time is something I couldn’t pass up."
• Long-standing F1 links: Herta has been on F1's radar for years. In 2022, Red Bull explored securing an FIA super licence exemption for him to join AlphaTauri.
• Future Prospects: Recent speculation suggested Herta might compete in Formula 2 to gain super licence points, making him a more viable candidate for a full-time F1 seat.

What's next:

• Herta will be eligible to participate in free practice (FP1) sessions with Cadillac next year, as all teams are required to dedicate four FP1 sessions per season to rookie drivers.
• Cadillac plans to announce Herta's racing plans for 2026 "in due course," hinting at a potential future full-time role if he accumulates the necessary super licence points and performs well in his test duties.