Herta gets Cadillac F1 test role, F2 still an option

Colton Herta has been named as a test driver for the Cadillac Formula 1 team, and a switch from IndyCar to racing in Formula 2 for the American remains a possibility.

Cadillac’s Formula 1 entry had previously been under the Andretti guise and initially intended to run Herta as one of its two race drivers. But with Herta unable to secure a Super License – the Californian fell five points short of the required 40 this season – the team has a driver line-up of experienced pair Sergio Perez and Valtteri Bottas for 2026.

In order to increase his chances of earning the points and being eligible for a Cadillac race seat in future, Herta and TWG Motorsports have been exploring the potential of making the switch to the F1 feeder series next season.

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Herta has now been confirmed as joining Cadillac in a test driver role. As reported by RACER last week, multiple F2 teams had been sounded out about the potential of running Herta in the series, but at this stage his racing plans remain unconfirmed.

“I’m incredibly excited to be joining the Cadillac Formula 1 team as a test driver,” 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.”

TWG Motorsports and Cadillac F1 CEO Dan Towriss had spoken about trying to create a pathway for an American driver to race in F1 in future, but team principal Graeme Lowdon says Herta’s talents will provide plenty of value to the team in his initial role.

“We are delighted to welcome Colton Herta as a test driver,” Lowdon said. “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.”

Sources suggest an F2 program could still be added to help his Super License ambitions but is not guaranteed. With one point expiring at the end of the three-year cycle, Herta will need to pick up six Super License points next year if he is to be eligible for a 2027 race seat.

Should he opt to race in F2, the series offers 40 points to the top three finishers in its championship, while a top eight finish would be enough for Herta, compared to top six in IndyCar. There are three points available for a top 10 finish – compared to one in IndyCar – and Herta could also supplement his total by taking part in FP1 sessions for Cadillac next season.

An FP1 outing that sees a driver complete more than 100km and not earn any penalties carries one Super License point.