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American Driver Colton Herta Joins Cadillac F1 as Test Driver for 2026 Debut

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Farah Ben Gamra | Last updated Sep 3, 2025 12:39 PM ET

Following the announcement of Valtteri Bottas and Sergio Pérez as full-time drivers for its 2026 season, American F1 team Cadillac has named an American driver, Colton Herta, as its test driver.

At 25, Herta is moving from a successful IndyCar career to F1 as a nine-time IndyCar race winner. He won’t be racing IndyCar in 2026, but Cadillac is working on getting Herta an F2 seat to get the super license points and into the F1 ecosystem.

Cadillac’s entry into Formula 1 is a big deal, expanding the grid to 22 cars for the first time since 2016. The American team, a collaboration between General Motors and TWG Motorsports, has gone for a mix of experience and young talent in its driver lineup.

Valteri Bottas and Sergio Pérez bring experience, Herta brings a fresh perspective.

Colton Herta Says Driving in F1 Is His “Dream”

From IndyCar to F1.

Our new Test Driver, Colton Herta

Read more at: https://t.co/ckAdwQs35g pic.twitter.com/AARU589oUx
— Cadillac Formula 1 Team (@Cadillac_F1) September 3, 2025

Expressing his enthusiasm for the opportunity, Herta said (Formula1.com): "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.”

The last American driver to race full-time in F1 was Logan Sargeant for two seasons (2023–2025). Before him, Alexander Rossi made five starts in 2015.

Cadillac F1Team Principal Graeme Lowdon said: “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, "(Formula1.com).

Cadillac prepares for its first F1 season, and Herta’s role as test driver will be key to the team’s development. He’ll be in free practice sessions and provide valuable data and insights for the 2026 season.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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