Colton Herta joins Cadillac F1 project as 2026 test driver on F2

Colton Herta will join the Cadillac Formula 1 project as its test and reserve driver for the 2026 season and is expected to leave his Andretti IndyCar seat to pursue a one year campaign in Formula 2 aimed at securing the final FIA Super Licence points he needs to race in F1. Cadillac announced Herta’s appointment on September 3, saying the 25 year old would support the team’s race pairing of Valtteri Bottas and Sergio Perez as it prepares to debut on the grid in 2026.

Cadillac’s team principal Graeme Lowdon praised Herta’s speed and experience, saying he would bring “valuable and fresh insight, perspective, and energy” to the fledgling outfit. Herta called the role “a dream opportunity” and said he has long worked toward a place in Formula 1. Cadillac confirmed Bottas and Perez as its inaugural race drivers in recent weeks, and Herta’s testing remit will focus heavily on simulator work and development duties, with track running where regulations permit.

The move is driven by the FIA’s Super Licence system, which requires 40 points for a fulltime F1 seat. Reports on Herta’s current tally vary, with different accounts listing totals from the low 30s, but all agree he falls short...