Cadillac names Herta as test driver for 2026 F1 debut

Cadillac F1 has confirmed that IndyCar ace Colton Herta will join its Formula 1 project as the team’s official test driver for its maiden campaign in 2026.

The American joins the squad owned by TWG Motorsport, which also controls Andretti Global, Herta’s IndyCar outfit, and will work alongside recently appointed race drivers Valtteri Bottas and Sergio Perez.

The move marks a major step toward Herta’s long-held ambition of competing in F1, with sources suggesting he will step away from IndyCar to focus fully on the opportunity in Europe - a prospect reinforced by Will Power’s switch from Penske to Andretti Global, also announced on Wednesday.

Herta: “This is a dream opportunity”

The 25-year-old made no secret of what the signing means for his career.

“I’m incredibly excited to be joining the Cadillac Formula 1 Team as a test driver,” he said.

“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.

“My dream has always been to race in Formula 1, and I see this move as a huge step towards that goal. For now, my focus is on giving everything I can to Cadillac F1, helping build a competitive team.”

Herta already boasts nine IndyCar wins and finished seventh in the most recent season, but Cadillac hinted that his 2026 plans may include a return to Europe to sharpen his F1 readiness.

The American still needs six more FIA super licence points to be eligible to race in F1, fuelling speculation about a possible Formula 2 campaign next year.

Lowdon: “A hugely significant moment”

Team boss Graeme Lowdon underlined the significance of Herta’s arrival, both for Cadillac and American motorsport.

“We are delighted to welcome Colton Herta as a test driver. Colton is an exceptionally talented racer with proven speed, race craft, and maturity well beyond his years,” said the Briton.

“His experience in top-level American motorsport as part of the TWG Motorsport family makes him an ideal fit for this role, and he will bring valuable and fresh insight, perspective, and energy to our team as we continue to build for the future.

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“Having an American driver join an American Formula 1 team is a hugely significant moment, not only for our team, but for American motorsport as a whole.

“Colton represents the passion, ambition, and competitive spirit that define the Cadillac Formula 1 Team, and we are proud to have him carry the American flag with us on the world stage.”

Herta previously tested F1 machinery with McLaren at Portimão in 2022, and now finds himself closer than ever to the grid.

Cadillac’s confirmation does not yet guarantee him a race seat, but the partnership sets the stage for a potential breakthrough if he can secure the necessary licence points.

For now, Herta steps into a pivotal role with Cadillac – one that may be just the beginning of a larger F1 story.

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