Colton Herta to test for Cadillac as F1 team eyes 2026 European F2

Colton Herta, one of IndyCar's brightest young drivers, has accepted a role as test and development driver for the new Cadillac Formula 1 Team and is planning to move to Europe to compete in Formula 2 in 2026 as he pursues a future F1 race seat. Cadillac announced Herta's testing role this month as the American outfit prepares to join the grid for the 2026 season, where Valtteri Bottas and Sergio Perez will serve as its race drivers.

Team principal Graeme Lowdon welcomed Herta, saying the 25 year old "is an exceptionally talented racer" whose American background is both fitting and significant for the team. Herta expressed his own ambition bluntly, calling the opportunity "a dream" and saying the move is "a huge step" toward his long term goal of racing in Formula 1. Cadillac said announcements on Herta's full 2026 racing programme will follow.

Herta is leaving a successful IndyCar career to take what officials and commentators describe as a high risk, potentially high reward route into F1. In 116 IndyCar starts over seven seasons he has recorded about nine victories, 16 pole positions and has led more than 1,000 laps. He also has multiple class wins in the IMSA WeatherTech...