Colton Herta Joins Cadillac F1 as Test Driver, Calls it 'Best Shot' at F1 Dream

American racer Colton Herta has left the IndyCar circuit to become the official test driver for the incoming Cadillac F1 team, describing this opportunity as his "best shot" at making his Formula 1 debut.Herta has pursued an F1 seat for years, previously encountering super license obstacles that kept him from a 2023 AlphaTauri drive. This move represents a direct pathway into the sport, albeit with significant challenges.### Why it matters:Herta's journey to F1 has been marked by repeated attempts and hurdles, primarily related to the FIA's super license points system. His decision to fully commit to the European racing scene with a new F1 entrant signifies a pivotal moment in his career.### The details:* New Role: Herta is now the test driver for the Cadillac F1 team, which is set to debut in 2026.* Super License Challenge: He still lacks the required super license points for a race seat. Herta plans to accumulate these points through Free Practice 1 (FP1) outings and potentially competing in other international open-wheel series like Formula 2.* Personal Reflection: On the "Off-Track with Hinch and Rossi" podcast, Herta openly discussed the "incredibly tough decision" to leave IndyCar, acknowledging the high risks involved. He emphasized his belief in his own speed and his determination to fight for his F1 dream, despite the inherent unknowns of a new team's performance.* IndyCar Future: Herta noted that this is not a "forever goodbye" to IndyCar, foreseeing a potential return to the series later in his career, stating his continued love for the sport.### What's next:Cadillac F1 is scheduled to make its debut in 2026, with Sergio Perez and Valtteri Bottas reportedly signed to multi-year contracts. This means Herta will likely need to secure a race seat by 2027, requiring him to earn and maintain his super license points while proving his capabilities in his test driver role.