Colton Herta has officially been named a test driver for the Cadillac Formula 1 Team, marking a pivotal moment in his racing career as he prepares to enter the Formula 1 grid in 2026. This announcement ends months of speculation surrounding the Andretti driver’s future and his potential transition from IndyCar to Formula racing, a move that has drawn considerable attention within the motorsports community.
Following Herta’s departure from the Andretti IndyCar Team, Will Power, a two-time IndyCar champion and Indianapolis 500 winner, was confirmed as his replacement. Power recently left Penske Racing, adding further intrigue to this reshuffling of talent within the IndyCar series.
Herta’s Impressive IndyCar Career and Transition
Over seven years competing in IndyCar, Colton Herta earned nine race victories and secured sixteen pole positions. His best overall performance was finishing second in the 2024 IndyCar Driver’s Championship, underscoring his standing as one of the top drivers in the series. Although leaving Andretti’s IndyCar team surprised many fans, it was a step aligned with his long-term ambition of racing in Formula 1.
Herta’s involvement in Formula 1 goes back to 2022 when he participated in the McLaren F1 Test Program and was considered for a seat with the Sauber F1 Team. However, plans with Andretti and Sauber did not materialize at that time, delaying his entry into Formula racing.
The racing community had anticipated Herta’s progression for months, with media insiders and IndyCar personnel in Nashville carefully observing possible developments. Throughout this period, both Herta and Andretti Global maintained a discreet stance regarding the rumors.
Pathway to Formula 1: Possible Formula 2 Participation
While Herta’s testing role with Cadillac is now official, he still lacks the required Super License points necessary to compete on the Formula 1 grid in 2026. To address this, it is widely speculated, though not yet confirmed, that Herta will race in Formula 2 in 2026 to accumulate the six remaining points needed to qualify for a Formula 1 seat in 2027.
“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.” —Colton Herta
Cadillac F1 Team’s Strategy and Roster for 2026
Cadillac Formula 1 Team, backed by Andretti Global, has clearly prioritized experience as it builds its driver lineup for the 2026 season. Recently, the team announced that Valtteri Bottas and Sergio Perez will be the two main drivers, bringing a wealth of Formula 1 expertise to the squad.
Adding Colton Herta as a test driver complements this strategy by introducing a promising young talent with significant IndyCar experience. Beyond racing skills, Herta’s involvement provides an important American representation for an American-based team, reinforcing its identity and appeal to the domestic fanbase.
“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.” —Graeme Lowdon, Cadillac Team Principal
In addition to bringing Herta on board, Cadillac F1 plans to relocate its team headquarters to Indiana. This move aligns closely with Herta’s roots and represents a deeper investment in American motorsports infrastructure, signaling a serious commitment to cultivating a strong team presence within the United States.
Significance of Herta’s Career Shift and Future Outlook
Colton Herta’s transition from IndyCar to the Formula 1 environment represents a major turning point not only for his own career but also for the representation of American talent at the highest level of motorsport. His departure from IndyCar, while a loss to the series, opens opportunities to elevate his profile globally within Formula racing.
This development also reflects the broader ambitions of the Cadillac F1 Team and Andretti Global, who aim to combine experienced drivers with emerging American talent in their effort to compete effectively on the international stage.
Looking ahead, Herta’s path through testing and potentially Formula 2 competition will be closely followed by fans and analysts eager to see if he can secure a full-time Formula 1 race seat by 2027 and how he will contribute to Cadillac’s success in the sport.
