IndyCar star Colton Herta has been named as a test driver for the Cadillac Formula 1 ahead of its entry next year, Afrosport reports.
The American automobile giant have already confirmed veteran drivers Valtteri Bottas and Sergio Perez as their driver line-up as they become F1’s 11th team on the grid for 2026.
The General Motors-owned outfit have now added Herta, who had been heavily muted for their main lineup in a bid to have an American driver on the grid.
“I’m incredibly excited to be joining the Cadillac Formula 1 Team as a Test Driver,” 25-year-old Herta said.
“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.
“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.”
Meanwhile, Cadillac team 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.
“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.
“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 Formula 1 Team announce Colton Herta as a Test Driver, as the team prepare to join the F1 grid for the 2026 season#F1 #Formula1 pic.twitter.com/T9II0YmQQO
— Formula 1 (@F1) September 3, 2025
Herta finished second in last year’s IndyCar series and has racked up nine victories, 19 podiums and 16 pole positions since he joined in 2019, shooting himself to fame as IndyCar’s youngest-ever winner aged 18 in the same year.
