Cadillac F1 names Colton Herta test driver, plans F2 stint in 2026

Colton Herta, a 25-year-old American driver, announced his departure from IndyCar to become a test driver for Cadillac, the new Formula 1 team set to debut in 2026. The move, confirmed on September 3, 2025, ends his seven-year stint with Andretti Global, where he secured nine wins and 16 poles. Lacking the necessary points for the FIA superlicense, Herta plans to compete in Formula 2 in 2026 to earn the required points for an F1 seat in 2027. The decision, backed by TWG Motorsports, owners of Andretti and Cadillac, was described as a “big risk” by CEO Dan Towriss on the Off Track podcast. Cadillac has already signed Valtteri Bottas and Sergio Perez as race drivers for its debut season. Herta, who tested an F1 car with McLaren in 2022, sees this as a crucial step toward achieving his dream of competing in the world’s top motorsport category.

Herta’s transition to Formula 2 is strategic. He needs six additional points to reach the 40 required for the superlicense, having earned 35 from his IndyCar results between 2023 and 2025. Formula 2 offers more points for mid-field finishes, increasing his chances.

• Reasons for the move: Herta seeks experience on European circuits and adaptation to F2 tires, different from IndyCar’s.
• Immediate challenges: Unfamiliarity with tracks and pressure for results in a new category.
• Team support: Cadillac, backed by TWG, sees Herta as key to its American identity.

New chapter for Herta at Cadillac

Colton Herta’s appointment as Cadillac F1’s test driver is a milestone for American motorsport. The team, debuting in 2026 as the 11th on the grid, aims to build a strong identity with a U.S. driver. Team principal Graeme Lowdon praised Herta’s speed, skill, and maturity, viewing him as ideal for bringing fresh perspectives. The decision to include Herta reflects Cadillac’s commitment to developing local talent, especially after choosing experienced drivers like Bottas and Perez for the initial project.

Herta has prior F1 experience, having tested the McLaren MCL35M in 2022 at Portimão, completing 466 laps. This test impressed Mario Andretti, an F1 icon and Cadillac board member, who sees Herta as a top prospect for 2027. His earlier stint in European single-seaters, like the 2015 Euroformula Open with four wins, further bolsters his preparation.

• IndyCar record: Nine wins, including a historic 2019 victory at Circuit of the Americas at age 18, the youngest IndyCar winner.
• F1 test: Covered 162 miles with McLaren, showing competitiveness.
• Andretti contract: Signed until 2027 but adjusted to allow the move.
• Cadillac’s expectations: Herta to bring energy and insights to the forming team.

Strategy for the superlicense

The FIA superlicense, mandatory for Formula 1, requires 40 points earned over three years in recognized categories. Herta ended 2025 with 35 points from IndyCar: 1 point in 2023 (10th place), 30 points in 2024 (2nd place), and 4 points in 2025 (7th place). With the 2023 point expiring, he needs six points in 2026. Formula 2 is the logical choice, offering up to 40 points for the top three and points down to eighth place, enough for Herta to meet the target.

Participating in F1 free practice sessions (FP1) can also earn extra points, with 1 point per 100 km driven, up to a 10-point limit. Cadillac plans to include Herta in at least four FP1 sessions, leveraging races without F2 calendar conflicts, such as post-August events when IndyCar’s season ends.

Risks and rewards of Formula 2

Competing in Formula 2 poses a significant challenge for Herta. The series, known for producing talents like Charles Leclerc and George Russell, demands quick adaptation to European circuits like Monaco and Silverstone and to Pirelli tires, unlike IndyCar’s Firestone tires. TWG Motorsports CEO Dan Towriss praised Herta’s courage for leaving IndyCar’s comfort zone, where he was a leading name, to tackle a competitive and unfamiliar series.

Herta acknowledged the risk but emphasized his determination to chase his F1 dream. Moving to F2 doesn’t guarantee a Cadillac seat in 2027, as Bottas and Perez have two-year contracts. However, a strong performance could position him as a favorite to replace one of them or attract interest from other teams.

• Challenging circuits: Herta must master tracks like Spa-Francorchamps and Baku.
• F2 competition: Drivers like American Jak Crawford already race in the series.
• Tire adaptation: Managing Pirelli tires is critical for consistent results.
• Indy 500 opportunity: The 2026 calendar allows Herta to race if Andretti fields an extra car.

Impact on IndyCar’s landscape

Herta’s exit from Andretti Global leaves a significant gap in the team. To fill it, Andretti named Will Power, formerly of Team Penske, as the replacement for the #26 car in 2026. Power, IndyCar champion in 2014 and 2022, brings experience and competitiveness, but the switch marks the end of an era for Herta, seen as the team’s future. His IndyCar career included standout moments like the 2019 Road America pole and the 2024 Nashville win, cementing him as one of America’s brightest racing talents.

Herta’s decision reflects a growing trend of American drivers eyeing Formula 1. While IndyCar offers thrilling races and U.S. opportunities, F1 represents the pinnacle of global motorsport. Mario Andretti’s presence on Cadillac’s board strengthens the link between the series, easing Herta’s transition.

Promising future at Cadillac

Cadillac enters Formula 1 aiming to establish itself as a competitive team. Choosing Herta as a test driver signals a long-term investment in local talent. While Bottas and Perez bring experience, Herta represents the next generation, with potential to lead the American project in the future. His F2 performance will be closely watched, especially by U.S. fans hoping to see an American driver in F1 for the first time since Alexander Rossi in 2015.

Herta remains focused on the present. He plans to leverage his IndyCar experience, where he led over 1,000 laps, to contribute to Cadillac’s car development. The team, with bases in the U.S. and U.K., bets on combining technical innovation and human talent to challenge giants like Red Bull and Ferrari.

• F1 testing: Herta will access the simulator and on-track sessions with Cadillac.
• Mario Andretti’s support: The 1978 champion has backed Herta since his McLaren test.
• U.S. visibility: Cadillac’s arrival boosts F1 interest in the American market.
• Potential rivals: F2 drivers like Theo Pourchaire may compete for points.