**IndyCar star Colton Herta has officially signed on as the test driver for Cadillac's Formula 1 team for the 2026 season.** This announcement follows the recent confirmation of Valtteri Bottas and Sergio Perez as the team’s primary drivers for the upcoming season.
Herta, who has established himself as a prominent figure in IndyCar racing, made history in 2019 as the youngest winner in the series. With nine victories and 16 pole positions to his credit from 116 career starts, he has proven to be a formidable talent on the track.
Reflecting on his new role, the 25-year-old driver expressed his excitement and ambition, stating, "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. 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's Team Principal Graeme Lowdon praised Herta’s capabilities and experience, highlighting his impressive skills both on and off the track. "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.
The inclusion of Herta is particularly significant as it marks a momentous occasion for American motorsport. "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," he added.
Herta also has prior experience in the world of Formula 1. He participated in a test session with a 2021-spec McLaren vehicle at Portimao in 2022. After that outing, McLaren Racing CEO Zak Brown remarked, "We’re very serious about anyone we put in our Formula 1 car… The first gate to get through is: do we think this driver is World Champion, Grand Prix-winning capable? If the answer to that is yes, then we continue to proceed."
This new venture marks a return to European racing for Herta, who competed across Europe from 2015 to 2016. During that time, he was teammates with Lando Norris in the 2015 MSA Formula Championship before transitioning to racing in the United States.
As Cadillac prepares for its debut in Formula 1, Herta’s role as test driver will be crucial in the development and strategy of the team as they strive for competitiveness in a challenging global racing landscape. With his formidable background and aspirations, Herta is poised to make significant contributions to the team's future success.
**In conclusion, Colton Herta's appointment as a test driver for Cadillac’s Formula 1 team is not just a personal milestone for him but a pivotal moment in American motorsport history. His experience in IndyCar and previous exposure to F1 will undoubtedly aid Cadillac as they embark on their ambitious journey into the world of Formula 1.**