Cadillac F1 Team Appoints IndyCar Star Colton Herta as Test Driver

The Cadillac Formula 1 team has officially named IndyCar sensation Colton Herta as its test driver as it prepares for its competitive debut in the 2026 Formula 1 season.

This announcement marks Herta as the first American racer to be officially signed to the new Cadillac outfit, alongside experienced race drivers Valtteri Bottas and Sergio Pérez, who will headline the driving lineup. 

At just 25, Herta brings an impressive track record: nine IndyCar victories, 16 pole positions, and over 1,000 laps led across 116 starts, solidifying him as one of the rising stars of American motorsport.  

His racing pedigree extends beyond open-wheel racing; the Californian has also achieved class wins at the Rolex 24 at Daytona and an overall victory at the 12 Hours of Sebring. 

Cadillac’s Team Principal, Graeme Lowdon, praised Herta’s exceptional talent, racecraft, and maturity that sets him apart. He emphasized that having an American driver on an American-backed team is not only symbolically significant, but also a meaningful milestone for the broader U.S. motorsport community.

Despite this major opportunity, Herta still needs FIA Super Licence points to race in F1. He currently falls short by about six points, which he may earn via Formula 2 participation or through dedicated F1 practice sessions.  

Participating in F2 next season appears a likely route, and the Cadillac entry could facilitate his path toward a 2027 race seat. 

This appointment aligns with Cadillac’s long-planned effort to position Herta as part of its future lineup, particularly given his affiliation with TWG Motorsports/Andretti Global, which also backs the F1 team. Although Bottas and Pérez were chosen for 2026 due to their experience, Herta remains a significant part of Cadillac’s long-term American-centric strategy. 

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