IndyCar star Colton Herta joins Cadillac as ‘test driver’ for the 2026 F1 season, aiming for his dream of a Formula 1 race seat.
Introduction
In the ever-changing world of Formula 1, every announcement sends waves across the racing community. The latest big news? IndyCar star Colton Herta has been signed by Cadillac as their official test driver for the 2026 season. This comes shortly after Cadillac revealed their driver line-up of Valtteri Bottas and Sergio Perez, making Herta’s role a fascinating addition. For Herta, this isn’t just a job—it’s a dream in motion. But what does this move mean for him, Cadillac, and the future of American motorsport in Formula 1? Let’s dive deep into this story.
Who is Colton Herta?
Colton Herta is no ordinary racer. Born in 2000, he carved his name into history books by becoming the youngest ever IndyCar race winner in 2019. With nine victories and 16 pole positions across his career so far, he’s already proven to be a formidable talent. At just 25 years old, he stands as one of the brightest American stars in motorsport.
Cadillac’s 2026 F1 Line-up: Bottas and Perez
Cadillac recently shook the grid with their driver line-up reveal. Valtteri Bottas, a proven race winner with years of experience at Mercedes and Alfa Romeo, and Sergio Perez, the consistent podium finisher, were both signed as their full-time drivers. While the main seats are locked in, Herta’s role as a test driver signals that Cadillac isn’t just thinking about the present—they’re building for the future.
Why Herta’s Signing Matters
So why does this matter? For starters, having an American driver at an American F1 team feels like a perfect pairing. Formula 1 has long struggled to integrate U.S. drivers into its fold, and Herta could be the one to bridge that gap. It’s like adding the missing puzzle piece to Cadillac’s Formula 1 project.
Herta’s Racing Journey So Far
Before this big announcement, Herta’s career was already rich in achievements. From karting to European junior series, and then storming into IndyCar, he has consistently shown adaptability and skill. His experience across different racing categories makes him an ideal candidate for the high-pressure role of a Formula 1 test driver.
The Youngest IndyCar Winner in History
Back in 2019, Herta stunned the world by becoming the youngest IndyCar race winner. Imagine being barely out of your teenage years and already beating veterans of the sport—that’s the kind of headline-making moment that put him on Formula 1’s radar.
Family Legacy: Bryan Herta’s Influence
Racing runs in his blood. His father, Bryan Herta, was a well-known name in both IndyCar and ChampCar. Growing up in such an environment gave Colton a foundation built on speed, discipline, and racing knowledge. You could say racing is as natural to him as breathing.
Previous F1 Experience with McLaren
This isn’t Herta’s first brush with Formula 1. In 2022, he tested the McLaren MCL35M at Portimao. Zak Brown, McLaren’s CEO, had praised him then, noting that any driver who gets into an F1 car has to show world champion potential. That test showed the paddock that Herta isn’t just hype—he’s the real deal.
Cadillac’s American Dream in Formula 1
For Cadillac, this is more than just building a team—it’s about creating a national identity in a global sport. With the growing popularity of Formula 1 in the United States, having an American driver on board is both symbolic and strategic. It’s their way of saying, “We’re here, and we’re serious.”
Herta’s Own Words on the Move
When the news broke, Herta called it a “dream opportunity.” He acknowledged that his ultimate goal is to race full-time in Formula 1, and this role brings him closer to that reality. He made it clear that his focus is on helping Cadillac become competitive, but you can sense the fire in his words—he’s eyeing that race seat.
Graeme Lowdon’s Vision for Cadillac F1
Team Principal Graeme Lowdon highlighted Herta’s race craft, maturity, and American roots as key reasons behind the signing. For him, this move isn’t just about filling a role; it’s about shaping Cadillac’s future identity in the sport.
What Does a Test Driver Really Do?
A test driver isn’t just a back-up plan. They play a critical role in car development—spending countless hours in simulators, providing technical feedback, and even stepping into the car during practice sessions. Think of them as the “unsung engineers behind the wheel,” shaping how the car performs before it ever races.
Could Herta’s Future Include a Full-Time F1 Seat?
That’s the million-dollar question. With Bottas and Perez signed, there’s no immediate vacancy. But Bottas is in the latter part of his career, and Perez’s form has often been scrutinized. If Herta proves himself in testing and practice runs, Cadillac may not hesitate to hand him a race seat in the near future.
The Bigger Picture: American Drivers in F1
It’s been decades since America consistently produced F1 drivers. With Logan Sargeant currently on the grid and now Herta stepping closer to the sport, the landscape may be changing. Could we be entering a new golden age for American motorsport in Formula 1?
The Road Back to Europe for Herta
Interestingly, this isn’t Herta’s first stint in Europe. Back in 2015, he raced alongside Lando Norris in the MSA Formula Championship. Now, nearly a decade later, he’s coming full circle—returning to Europe with bigger dreams and more experience under his belt.
What This Means for Fans and the Sport
For fans, Herta’s move is exciting. It’s a sign of hope for those who want to see more American talent in Formula 1. For the sport, it’s a chance to deepen its growing bond with the U.S. audience, further fueled by the success of races like the Miami and Las Vegas Grands Prix.
Conclusion
Colton Herta’s signing as Cadillac’s test driver is more than just another announcement—it’s a chapter in a story that feels destined to unfold into something bigger. With his talent, determination, and the backing of an American F1 team, the dream of seeing him on the grid isn’t far-fetched. For now, he’ll play a vital role behind the scenes, but if history tells us anything, it’s that Colton Herta is never content staying in the shadows for long.
FAQs
1. Who is Colton Herta?
Colton Herta is a 25-year-old IndyCar driver, known for being the youngest race winner in IndyCar history with nine wins and 16 poles.
2. What role will Herta play at Cadillac in 2026?
He will serve as the team’s official test driver, helping with car development, simulator work, and possibly practice sessions.
3. Has Herta driven a Formula 1 car before?
Yes, he tested a McLaren MCL35M at Portimao in 2022, impressing the team with his performance.
4. Could Herta become a full-time F1 driver?
Yes, while he is currently signed as a test driver, strong performances could open the door to a race seat in the future.
5. Why is Cadillac’s signing of Herta significant?
It marks a historic step of having an American driver with an American F1 team, boosting the sport’s U.S. presence.
