Not just Cadillac test driver: Colton Herta’s 2026 racing plans revealed
It has been confirmed that newly-appointed Cadillac test driver Colton Herta he will return to racing in Europe this year.
Just hours ago, Colton Herta was announced as a test driver for Cadillac ahead of the team’s Formula 1 debut in 2026, following the confirmation of Sergio Perez and Valtteri Bottas as the official race drivers, both returning after a year-long hiatus.
The American driver, long linked to Formula 1 in recent years, will now have the chance to experience what it’s like to work closely with an F1 team while waiting to see what the future holds for him on track.
The American driver, who boasts extensive IndyCar experience, has indirectly offered more insight into what his near-term future on track could look like through the words of TWG Motorsports and Cadillac F1 Team CEO Dan Towriss.
Herta to race in F2 in 2026
Appearing on the Off Track podcast, Towriss stated: ''Colton's going to be leaving Andretti to pursue his dream in Formula One. It was something that we were looking at a few years ago when Michael (Andretti) and I were looking to acquire Sauber. That deal didn't happen. Things kind of fell through at the last minute, but it really kind of started Colton on this journey where he really started to show a lot of promise in Formula One.''
''We've been fortunate to keep Colton at Andretti in the IndyCar team. And so now he's going to pursue that dream in Formula One. And so to do that, he's going to take a pretty big risk. He's leaving IndyCar.''
He then added: ''He's not going directly to Formula One. This is a test and development driver role. And so he's going to be going into F2. He's going to learn tracks. He's going to learn tyres.''
''Tyres are a big part of that, very different from IndyCar from that standpoint. I just couldn't be more proud of Colton to be willing to take that risk to pursue his dream when you broach this subject.''
Herta already raced in Europe during the very early years of his career. Specifically, in 2016, at age 16, he competed in British F3 before moving to Euroformula Open, finishing third overall with four wins, six podiums, and five pole positions. The following year, he returned to the U.S., racing in Indy Lights before beginning his rise in IndyCar.
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