Colton Herta confirmed as Cadillac test driver ahead of 2026 F1 debut. Colton Herta has joined Cadillac as a test driver for the team’s Formula 1 debut in 2026.

Official: Colton Herta joins Cadillac as test driver

Colton Herta is entering Formula 1 through what could be called the “secondary door”: the American driver has been confirmed as the new test driver for Cadillac ahead of the team’s debut in the F1 Circus in 2026.

The partnership between Colton Herta and Cadillac

While Cadillac has abandoned the dream of immediately fielding an American driver in Formula 1, it will still have one on its roster. Colton Herta will serve as a test driver for the debut of Mario Andretti’s Cadillac team in Formula 1, scheduled for 2026.

Herta’s comments

“This is a dream opportunity, one I’ve been working toward my entire life. Being part of Cadillac’s F1 debut at such a crucial moment is something I couldn’t let pass by,” Herta said in the announcement released a few minutes ago. “My goal has always been to race in Formula 1, and I see this role as an important step in that direction. For now, I am fully focused on contributing to building a competitive team.”

Lowdon’s remarks

Cadillac team principal Graeme Lowdon added: “We are thrilled to welcome Colton Herta as a Test Driver. Colton is an exceptionally talented driver, with speed, race intelligence, and maturity beyond his years. His experience in American motorsport, combined with his connection to the TWG Motorsport family, makes him perfect for this role. He will bring new ideas, energy, and a fresh perspective to our project. Having an American driver in an American Formula 1 team is a very significant moment, not only for us but for the entire U.S. motorsport scene. Colton embodies the competitive spirit, ambition, and passion that define Cadillac, and we are proud to carry the American flag into F1 with him.”

Herta’s future prospects

Herta, who has nine IndyCar wins to his name, does not yet hold a Super License and therefore cannot race in Formula 1 in 2026. Next season will still be important for the 2000-born driver: his racing program has not been finalized, but it is possible he could secure a seat in Formula 2. If he enters the F2 championship, Herta would need to earn six Super License points to be eligible for 2027. Success there would make him a strong candidate for a future F1 seat, especially as drivers like Valtteri Bottas and Sergio Perez represent safe options but are not long-term prospects for building a team’s future.