The Cadillac F1 team has confirmed it has signed IndyCar race winner Colton Herta as a test driver.
Cadillac is preparing for its debut F1 season next year as it joins the grid as an 11th team, expanding the grid to 22 cars for the first time since 2016.
The American squad has already confirmed its full-time driver line-up, with F1 veterans Valtteri Bottas and Sergio Perez filling out its seats.
They will be supported throughout the year by 25-year-old Herta, a nine-time IndyCar race winner.
“I’m incredibly excited to be joining the Cadillac F1 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.”
Herta has been linked with a role in F1 for some time. In 2022, Red Bull sought an FIA super licence exemption to sign him to AlphaTauri for the following season.
More recently, it has been speculated that Herta could race in Formula 2 next year to acquire enough super license points to become a viable option for a full-time F1 drive.
Cadillac has stated Herta's racing plans for 2026 will be announced “in due course”.
Herta will also be eligible to take part in free practice outings with Cadillac next year, with all teams required to set aside four FP1 sessions for rookies each season.
Also interesting:
Join RacingNews365's Ian Parkes, Sam Coop and Nick Golding, as they look back on the Dutch GP but also look ahead to Monza! Lewis Hamilton's huge grid penalty is a lead discussion, as is the mountain Lando Norris now faces in the F1 drivers' title fight.
Rather watch the podcast? Then click here!
Most read
In this article
Join the conversation!