Colton Herta quits IndyCar for Cadillac F1 test driver role

Core summary

Colton Herta, a nine‑time IndyCar winner, has parked his eight‑year IndyCar career to become Cadillac’s Formula 1 test driver as the American manufacturer prepares to join the grid in 2026. The move follows stalled talks with Sauber and AlphaTauri and sees Herta split his schedule between Formula 2 and the Cadillac program.

Why it matters:

Cadillac’s entry marks the first all‑American F1 team in over a decade, and Herta is the most high‑profile US open‑wheel driver to make the jump. His transition signals a new pathway for IndyCar talent to reach F1, while giving Cadillac a driver with proven racecraft and a built‑in fan base.

The details:

• IndyCar record – 9 wins, 19 podiums, 16 poles and runner‑up in the 2024 championship.
• Previous F1 interest – Negotiations with Sauber and AlphaTauri never materialised.
• Current commitments – Full‑season seat in Formula 2 alongside test duties for Cadillac.
• Personal motivation – Herta grew up watching IndyCar and IMSA, discovered F1 at age 9‑10 and has always dreamed of racing at the top level.
• Cadillac plan – The team will debut as the 11th entry in 2026, with Herta positioned as a potential race driver.

What's next:

If Cadillac’s 2026 launch proceeds on schedule, Herta could graduate from test duties to a race seat, likely sharing the cockpit with a seasoned F1 veteran. His presence also raises the profile of the brand in the US market and may encourage other American talents to pursue the F1 ladder.