Colton Herta Test Driver role has been confirmed as he becomes the first Test Driver for the Cadillac Formula 1 Team, set to debut in 2026.
- Nine-time INDYCAR race winner steps into development role
- Will support race drivers Valtteri Bottas and Sergio Pérez
- Joins during the early build-up phase of the new F1 team
A Familiar Name Steps Into Formula 1 Development
Colton Herta will become the first American driver involved in Cadillac’s new Formula 1 effort. At 25, he has already won nine INDYCAR races and collected 16 pole positions, while also gaining experience in European junior series earlier in his career.
Focus on Simulator and Development Work
Herta will work with the team’s engineers and race drivers during the car’s development phase, focusing on simulator sessions, data analysis, and providing feedback from test running. His work will help prepare the team’s first Formula 1 car before it reaches the grid in 2026.
How Herta Fits Into Cadillac’s F1 Program
Cadillac’s F1 driver lineup will feature Valtteri Bottas and Sergio Pérez when the team begins racing in 2026. Herta’s Test Driver role places him alongside them in a supporting capacity, contributing to setup work and long-term development projects.
Engineering and Performance Support
This includes helping engineers evaluate new components, building correlation between simulation data and real-world testing, and supporting early performance analysis while the race drivers focus on competitive preparation.
A Step Forward for American Drivers in F1
Herta’s appointment marks another sign of growing American involvement in Formula 1. With Logan Sargeant currently competing full-time and several U.S.-based operations entering the sport, opportunities for American drivers are beginning to expand.
For Cadillac, adding Herta provides a link to American open-wheel racing while also strengthening its technical resources during the early stages of its program.
How the Cadillac F1 Team Is Structured
The Cadillac Formula 1 Team is being developed across facilities in Fishers, Indiana; Charlotte, North Carolina; and Silverstone, UK, combining U.S.-based operations with access to Formula 1’s engineering hub in Britain.
The 2026 entry will also expand Cadillac’s global motorsport footprint, adding Formula 1 to its existing programs in IMSA and endurance racing.
TWG Motorsports Support
Technical and operational support is being provided by TWG Motorsports, an organization with experience in F1, INDYCAR, IMSA, and NASCAR. Herta will be involved throughout this build-up period, which includes simulator correlation, track testing, and engineering development work.
Cadillac F1 Names Colton Herta Test Driver — Overview
The Cadillac Formula 1 Team has named Colton Herta its first official Test Driver ahead of its 2026 debut, adding his experience from INDYCAR and junior European series to support the team’s development phase.
❓ Quick Questions
What will Colton Herta do as Test Driver?
He will run simulator sessions, assist with setup and development feedback, and support the engineering team during the pre-season build.
Who are Cadillac’s race drivers?
Valtteri Bottas and Sergio Pérez will drive for the team in 2026.
When will Cadillac enter Formula 1?
The team is scheduled to make its debut in the 2026 Formula 1 World Championship.
Why is this notable?
It places a prominent American driver in a key development role as Cadillac builds its first Formula 1 car.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and may not reflect the most accurate, latest updates or specific model configurations. Always consult official website/sources for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
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