When the incoming Cadillac Formula 1 team first announced its bid to join the grid, IndyCar star Colton Herta’s name was among the first drivers linked to the new operation. Herta has been connected with a spot on the F1 grid in the past, and with Cadillac looking to build an “all-American” operation, the connection made sense.
Today, that idea is one step closer to reality.
While Cadillac announced that Sergio Pérez and Valtteri Bottas would be their two drivers for the 2026 season last month, on Wednesday the team confirmed that Herta would be joining the operation as the team’s Test Driver.
“I’m incredibly excited to be joining the Cadillac Formula 1 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,” said Herta in a statement.
“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.”
Cadillac F1 Team Principal Graeme Lowdon called Herta an “ideal” fit for the team.
“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. 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,” said Lowdon.
“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 just finished his seventh season in IndyCar, where he finished seventh in the standings. Over his IndyCar career, Herta has secured nine wins, 16 pole positions, and has led over 1,000 laps in his 116 career IndyCar starts.
Herta still needs to secure sufficient points for an FIA Super License before he can join the F1 grid. He remains five points shy of the requisite 40 points, and while F1 practice sessions can get him closer, multiple reports indicate that a seat in F2 is still on the table for him next season. Running in F2 would give Herta several chances to secure the needed points for his FIA Super License.
This would give him an even greater chance of being on the F1 grid with Cadillac in 2027.
While Bottas and Pérez are in place for the 2026 season, it is a distinct possibility that Cadillac looks to a younger driver for their second campaign on the grid for at least one of those spots.
Now, Herta is a step closer to being an option in that scenario.
