Colton Herta will step back from the NTT INDYCAR SERIES to fulfil his role as Test Driver at Cadillac Formula 1 Team.
Who Is Colton Herta?
The son of INDYCAR and ChampCar driver Bryan Herta, this second-generation driver made his European racing debut in 2015.
Securing four victories, six podium finishes and five pole positions in the EuroFormula Open Championship, Herta went on to compete in six British F3 events two-years later.
He earned three podium finishes, including a victory at Brands Hatch before he returned to America in 2017.
At 25, Herta is coming off his seventh INDYCAR season, where he has achieved nine wins, 16 pole positions, and led over 1000 laps in his 116 career starts.
Furthermore, he also holds the title of the youngest driver to win an INDYCAR SERIES race and pole position, a milestone that he achieved in 2019 at the Circuit of the Americas.
With experience in endurance racing, the American driver has also scored multiple IMSA Weathertech Sportscar Championship wins at the Rolex 24 at Daytona and an overall win at the 12 Hours of Sebring in 2024.
“A Dream Opportunity”
“I’m incredibly excited to be joining the Cadillac Formula 1 Team as a Test Driver. 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,” said Herta.
“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.”Â
“We are delighted to welcome Colton Herta as a Test Driver. 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,” added Graeme Lowdon, Team Principal at Cadillac Formula 1 Team.
“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.”
Herta’s 2026 Racing Programme
It is yet to be announced what Herta’s 2026 racing programme will entail.
However, with “a return to the European racing ranks” expected, it is thought that a move to the FIA Formula 2 Championship is highly likely.
Cadillac’s statement ensures that “announcements on Herta’s 2026 Racing Programme will be made in due course.” However, speculation suggests that the American driver may represent PREMA Racing in the Championship next year.
The Fight For A Super License
Currently holding 35 Super License points, the American driver needs 40 points to compete in the FIA Formula 1 World Championship.
Therefore, a move to Formula 2 is expected to ensure Herta can acquire the amount of Super License points needed to compete for Cadillac Formula 1 team full-time in the future.
The table below shows the Super License points distribution in Formula 2 compared to in INDYCAR.
| Championship Position | Formula 2 | INDYCAR |
| 1st | 40 | 40 |
| 2nd | 40 | 30 |
| 3rd | 40 | 20 |
| 4th | 30 | 10 |
| 5th | 20 | 8 |
| 6th | 10 | 6 |
| 7th | 8 | 4 |
| 8th | 6 | 3 |
| 9th | 4 | 2 |
| 10th | 3 | 1 |
| 11th or worse | 0 | 0 |
| No penalty points in a season | +2 | 0 |
Therefore, assuming a top ten overall finish is achieved in the FIA Formula 2 Championship, the American driver could acquire the final Super License points needed with greater ease compared to if he remained in the NTT INDYCAR SERIES.
One extra point can also be gained if you drive at least 100km during a Formula 1 Free Practice session.
Although Cadillac Formula 1 Team appear confident with their confirmed 2026 driver line-up, Sergio Perez and Valtteri Bottas, Formula 1 is constantly evolving.
Therefore, a full-time drive for Herta at the American outlet could be imminent after the more-experienced pairing help establish and shape the team into a highly-competitive rival.
Featured Image Credit: IndyCar Media Centre
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