F1-Bound Colton Herta Joins Cadillac Sports Car Lineup for 2026 Endurance Races

Colton Herta, set to be Cadillac's Formula 1 test and reserve driver for 2026, will also compete in three major IMSA SportsCar Championship endurance events for Cadillac Racing. This dual role underscores Cadillac's expansive motorsport strategy and provides Herta with valuable competitive seat time alongside his F1 development duties.

Why it matters:

Colton Herta's expanded role with Cadillac highlights a growing trend of F1-affiliated drivers maintaining competitive programs in other top-tier motorsport series. For Cadillac, securing a talent like Herta for both their nascent F1 project and established IMSA program demonstrates a unified approach to leveraging their driver pool, maximizing experience, and strengthening brand presence across elite racing categories. This move provides Herta with crucial race mileage as he develops as a Formula 1 prospect.

The Details:

• Dual Role: Herta will spend the majority of his 2026 season in Europe with Hitech GP in Formula 2, while also serving as Cadillac's Formula 1 test and reserve driver.
• IMSA Engagement: He will join Jordan Taylor and Louis Deletraz in the #40 Wayne Taylor Racing (WTR) Cadillac V-Series.R for three key endurance events:
  • The Daytona 24
  • The Sebring 12 Hours
  • Petit Le Mans (a 10-hour race at Road Atlanta)
• Cadillac Power: The Cadillac V-Series.R prototype is powered by a 5.5-liter naturally aspirated V8 engine, with 2026 marking Cadillac’s fourth year in IMSA’s top GTP division.
• Team Continuity: The sister #10 WTR car will feature Ricky Taylor and Filipe Albuquerque, with ex-Formula 1 driver Will Stevens joining for the three endurance races, providing strong continuity for the team.
• Herta's Perspective: Herta expressed excitement, stating, “We had some success last time I was with the team, and I hope to continue that. Jordan and Louis are some of the best drivers in the business, and it’s a pleasure to join them on this adventure.”
• Team Owner's View: Wayne Taylor, team owner, emphasized the benefits of continuity and Herta's addition: “Having the same drivers for the full season and Will Stevens in the No. 10 Cadillac Wayne Taylor Racing for the IMEC rounds brings great continuity to our program and ensured success. We are delighted that Colton Herta can join Jordan and Louis in the No. 40 Cadillac WTR V-Series.R for the endurance events.”

The Big Picture:

Cadillac's long-term vision clearly encompasses both Formula 1 and a continued strong presence in North American sports car racing. By integrating Herta across these programs, they are not only nurturing a potential future F1 talent but also enhancing their established IMSA effort with a high-caliber driver. This strategy allows Herta to gain diverse experience in competitive settings, which is invaluable for a developing F1 driver, while also bolstering Cadillac's chances for victory in prestigious endurance events.

What's next:

The 2026 IMSA SportsCar Championship kicks off with the Daytona 24 on January 24-25, where Herta will make his first appearance with Wayne Taylor Racing for the season. Cadillac is also continuing its preparations for its anticipated Formula 1 entry in 2026, with Herta's testing and reserve driver duties being a key part of that development. The November test in Daytona will be a crucial step for the WTR team to prepare for the upcoming IMSA season.