Colton Herta named Cadillac F1 test driver for 2026

IndyCar star Colton Herta will join Cadillac’s new Formula 1 project as its official test driver when the team enters the grid in 2026, Sport360NG reports.

The 25-year-old Californian, a nine-time IndyCar race winner since making his debut in 2019, has long been open about his ambition to compete in Formula 1.

“This is a dream I’ve been chasing for years,” Herta said. “Being part of Cadillac’s F1 entry at such a crucial stage is an opportunity I couldn’t turn down. My ultimate goal is to race in Formula 1, and this role feels like a major step towards making that happen. Right now, my focus is on helping Cadillac build a competitive team.”

The team confirmed that details of Herta’s racing programme for 2026 will be revealed at a later date.

Herta is widely regarded as one of the United States’ most gifted drivers, having spent part of his early career competing in Europe. Red Bull previously explored signing him for its junior team in 2023, but he was unable to secure the FIA super licence required to compete in F1. While he still does not meet the criteria, Cadillac are expected to explore ways for him to qualify, either through further IndyCar results or via Formula 2, which is considered the main pathway into the sport.

Cadillac F1, which last month confirmed Valtteri Bottas and Sergio Perez as its race drivers, has stressed the importance of opening doors for American talent. “We want to ensure there’s a clear route for an American driver into Formula 1,” said team CEO Dan Towriss. “For our first season, though, this was the right combination.”

Herta currently competes in IndyCar for Andretti Global, a team operated by Towriss’ TWG organisation, which is also backing Cadillac’s F1 project.

Team principal Graeme Lowdon praised the appointment, saying: “Colton is an outstanding driver with proven pace, skill and maturity beyond his years. His background in top-level U.S. motorsport makes him a perfect fit for our programme. Having an American driver join an American Formula 1 team is a landmark moment for both the team and the wider U.S. motorsport community.”