COLTON HERTA JOINS CADILLAC F1 TEAM AS TEST DRIVER!
Cadillac’s long-awaited entry into Formula 1 has brought fresh excitement to the American motorsport scene. While the brand has confirmed Sergio Pérez and Valtteri Bottas as it’s race drivers, the team has also added a strong American name to its roster: Colton Herta will serve as Cadillac’s official Formula 1 test and development driver in 2026.
A Rising American Talent
Herta, a proven race winner in the NTT IndyCar Series, has long been linked with a move to Formula 1. His speed, maturity, and adaptability have made him one of the most talked-about U.S. drivers of his generation. With Cadillac determined to bring American representation into its program, the appointment of Herta reflects both ambition and a long-term vision for homegrown talent in F1.
Bridging the Gap to Formula 1
Although Herta narrowly missed out on a full-time seat due to FIA Super Licence regulations, his test driver role ensures he will be heavily involved in the development of Cadillac’s first-ever Formula 1 car. His duties will include simulator work, data analysis, and participating in select free practice sessions across the season.
For Herta, the position is more than just a supporting role: it is the gateway to a potential race seat in the near future.
“This is a dream opportunity,” Herta said. “And one I have 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 .”
Cadillac’s Strategy
With two experienced Grand Prix winners leading its debut campaign, Cadillac gains stability on the grid while giving Herta a development path for the future. Team principal Graeme Lowdon emphasized that the American driver will play “a central role in shaping our performance,” adding that his insight from IndyCar and endurance racing brings a valuable perspective to the team’s engineering group.
Looking Ahead
Cadillac’s F1 project has already stirred excitement among American fans eager to see more U.S. involvement at the highest level of motorsport. By securing Colton Herta as its test driver, the brand has ensured that its future is firmly connected to American racing heritage while keeping the door open for a potential all-American Formula 1 lineup in years to come.
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