Herta’s F1 2026 Program with Cadillac Takes Shape
TL;DR
Colton Herta will participate in four practice sessions with Cadillac in Formula 1 this year as he transitions from IndyCar. He has taken on a test and development role with the new team while also competing in Formula 2.
Key points
- Colton Herta will participate in four practice sessions with Cadillac.
- Herta left IndyCar after 2025 for a role with Cadillac.
- He will also compete in Formula 2 this year.
- F1 regulations mandate rookie drivers in practice sessions.
Herta’s F1 2026 Program with Cadillac Takes ShapeJames Sutton - Formula 1 - Getty Images
Colton Herta will take part in four practice sessions with Cadillac in Formula 1 this year as his involvement with the start-up squad ramps up.
Herta left the NTT IndyCar Series after 2025 in order to take up a test and development role with the new Cadillac team, alongside a full program in Formula 2.
Per Formula 1’s regulations every team must run a rookie driver—someone with no more than two race starts—during four practice sessions each season.
Cadillac confirmed Friday that Herta will fulfill the obligation through the course of 2026, with his first run in the MAC-26 to come at the Barcelona-Catalunya Grand Prix in mid-June.
Regular racers Sergio Perez and Valtteri Bottas will sit out two sessions apiece respectively in order for Herta to drive the car.
“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,” Herta said.
“I hope I can contribute to the overall race weekend and help the team, Checo, and Valtteri as much as possible.”
Colton Herta on track in the Formula 2 race at Melbourne. James Sutton - Formula 1 - Getty Images
Herta’s free practice 1 (FP1) bow will come during a Formula 2 race weekend, meaning he will have to quickly switch between cars, with F1 FP1 typically scheduled between Formula 2’s practice and qualifying sessions.
“Completing all four of our young driver FP1 sessions is a natural next step in his test driver role, and I look forward to seeing what he can bring in terms of development and focus,” said Cadillac Team Principal Graeme Lowdon.
Herta will return to Formula 2 action next month with new events in Miami and Montreal.
The locations of Herta’s three FP1 sessions beyond Barcelona have not yet been determined by Cadillac.
Q&A
What is Colton Herta's role with Cadillac in Formula 1?
Colton Herta is taking on a test and development role with Cadillac in Formula 1, participating in four practice sessions this year.
Why did Colton Herta leave IndyCar for Formula 1?
Colton Herta left the NTT IndyCar Series after 2025 to join Cadillac's new Formula 1 team and pursue a full program in Formula 2.
What are the regulations regarding rookie drivers in Formula 1?
Formula 1 regulations require each team to run a rookie driver—defined as someone with no more than two race starts—during four practice sessions each season.
