IndyCar’s Herta appointed Cadillac test driver

Colton Herta, the new Cadillac Formula 1 team’s driver, will take the position in 2026 as the new test driver.

The 25-year-old American has won nine races in the US-based IndyCar series since making his debut in 2019. He has not disguised his ambitions to drive for F1.

Herta remarked, “This is a dream opportunity, and I’ve been working toward it for a long time.

I couldn’t pass on the opportunity to be a part of Cadillac F1’s entry at such a crucial time.

“Formula 1 has always been something I’ve always wanted to do, and I think this is a significant step in that direction.” My top priority is to support Cadillac F1 while also building a formidable team.

Herta’s 2026 racing program would be revealed “in due course,” according to a statement from the Cadillac team.

Herta, who is regarded as one of the most gifted American drivers and who raced in Europe as he advanced through the ranks, has already tempted to enter Formula One.

In order to get him into Red Bull’s second team in 2023, he was unable to earn the necessary “super-licence” due to the F1 qualification system.

Cadillac will likely look at ways for Herta to qualify, despite the fact that that is still the case.

Herta has not yet been able to do that, but that can be done through IndyCar results; however, Formula 2 is a recognized feeder category for F1 and that is easier to do.

When Valtteri Bottas and Sergio Perez were announced last month by the team as race drivers, Cadillac F1’s CEO Dan Towriss stated, “It is important to us to make sure there is a pathway for an American driver, but this was the right combination for this inaugural season.

Herta competes for Andretti Global in IndyCar. The TWG organization that is responsible for the Cadillac F1 team, Towriss, controls it.

Cadillac team principal Graeme Lowdon praised Carter as a “exceptionally talented racer with proven speed, race craft, and maturity well beyond his years.”

He will provide valuable and fresh insight, perspective, and energy to our team as we continue to build for the future because of his prior experience in top-tier American motorsport as a member of the TWG Motorsport family.