On September 3, 2025, Cadillac Formula 1 officially announced Colton Herta as its first Test Driver. This marks a pivotal step as the team prepares for its highly anticipated debut on the Formula 1 grid in 2026.
The move signals Cadillac’s commitment not only to building a competitive program but also to strengthening its ties with American motorsport by selecting one of the country’s brightest racing talents.
For Herta, a nine-time NTT IndyCar Series race winner. This appointment represents both a fresh challenge and the realization of a lifelong dream. At just 25 years old, the second-generation driver has already carved out an impressive résumé.
Since his IndyCar debut in 2018, he has racked up 16 poles, led more than 1,000 laps, and made history as the youngest race and pole winner in series history.
Beyond open-wheel racing, Herta has also excelled in endurance events, capturing class wins at the Rolex 24 at Daytona in 2019 and 2022, along with an overall victory at the 12 Hours of Sebring in 2024.
Now, he’s turning his focus toward Formula 1, an arena he has long aspired to reach.
Herta’s Excitement for the Role
Speaking on the announcement, Herta didn’t hide his enthusiasm.
“I’m incredibly excited to be joining the Cadillac Formula 1 Team as a Test Driver. 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,” Herta said.
He continued, “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.”
His comments highlight not only his personal ambitions but also the broader significance of Cadillac’s F1 project, which represents America’s strongest push into the sport in decades.
Cadillac Formula 1’s Vision and Leadership
Team Principal Graeme Lowdon emphasized why Herta is the right choice at the right time.
“We are delighted to welcome Colton Herta as a Test Driver. 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.”
Lowdon also stressed the symbolic weight of the signing, “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.”
Cadillac Builds for the Future: Bottas, Pérez, and Herta Lead Bold F1 Vision
Cadillac has already confirmed a formidable race driver lineup for its debut season, with seasoned F1 veterans Valtteri Bottas and Sergio “Checo” Pérez set to lead the charge.
By adding Herta as Test Driver, Cadillac Formula 1 team is laying a foundation for long-term growth while keeping an eye on future opportunities to expand his role.
For Herta, this appointment may be the gateway to fulfilling his ultimate ambition: becoming a full-time Formula 1 driver. And for Cadillac, it’s another bold step in proving that an American team, with American talent, can compete on the world’s biggest motorsport stage.
Cadillac Formula 1 Welcomes Colton Herta as Test Driver for 2026 Entry