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Colton Herta is Finally Getting His F1 Shot With Cadillac in 2026
TL;DR
Colton Herta will make his Formula 1 debut as a test driver for Cadillac in 2026. He is set to participate in four FP1 sessions, starting at the Barcelona-Catalunya Grand Prix.
Key points
- Colton Herta is confirmed as Cadillac's test driver for 2026.
- He will participate in four FP1 sessions this year.
- Herta's F1 debut will be at the Barcelona-Catalunya Grand Prix.
- Cadillac's entry into F1 is a significant American motorsport development.
- Herta's preparation included simulator work at Cadillac's Charlotte facility.
Mentioned in this story
CadillacColton HertaBarcelona-Catalunya
Formula 1IndyCar
American motorsport fans, it is officially happening. After years of speculation, super licenses, and IndyCar domination, Colton Herta is finally getting his shot in a Formula 1 car during a live Grand Prix weekend.
The newly formed Cadillac Formula 1 Team had already confirmed that the 26-year-old California native stsnds as its official test driver for the 2026 season. As part of his development role, Herta is slated to take the wheel for four FP1 sessions this year, making his long-awaited F1 weekend debut at the Barcelona-Catalunya Grand Prix.
An American Driver for the American Team
Cadillac’s entry into Formula 1 is already one of the biggest stories of the 2026 season, bringing operations from Indianapolis, Charlotte, and Silverstone to the grid. Having an American talent like Herta heavily involved in the car’s development is the perfect storyline for the GM-backed squad.
Until now, Herta’s F1 prep with Cadillac has been strictly confined to simulator work at the team’s Charlotte facility. Now, he gets to test the limits of the car on actual asphalt.
“I can’t wait to get behind the wheel of the Cadillac Formula 1 Team car for the first time,” Herta said via a press release sent to MotorBiscuit. “I am looking forward to working closely with the team in a full Grand Prix environment and am fully focused on learning from every appearance.”
He added that his goal for the practice sessions is to “help the team, Checo and Valtteri as much as possible.”
Q&A
When will Colton Herta make his Formula 1 debut?
Colton Herta is scheduled to make his Formula 1 debut during the 2026 season at the Barcelona-Catalunya Grand Prix.
What role will Colton Herta have with Cadillac in F1?
Colton Herta will serve as the official test driver for Cadillac, participating in four FP1 sessions throughout the 2026 season.
What is significant about Cadillac entering Formula 1?
Cadillac's entry into Formula 1 marks a major development for American motorsport, especially with Colton Herta, an American driver, involved in the team's car development.
