Colton Herta lands Cadillac FP1 debut with multiple 2026 sessions scheduled

26-year-old Herta will participate in his first FP1 at the Barcelona-Catalunya Grand Prix, before three other sessions across the 2026 season.

With support from Cadillac, Herta, a nine-time winner in Indy Car, races in F2 with Hitech, scoring points in his first Feature Race with a P7 finish in Melbourne in March.

Herta joins F2 knowing it is likely his last opportunity to fulfill his dream of making it to F1, with a top-eight finish in 2026 enough to earn him the FIA Super License points required.

Speaking on the Cadillac website, Herta reacted to the news, excited to be working in the F1 environment, and learning from Cadillac's seasoned veterans Sergio Perez and Valtteri Bottas.

Herta said: “I can’t wait to get behind the wheel of the Cadillac Formula 1 Team car for the first time.

"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. I hope I can contribute to the overall race weekend and help the team, Checo and Valtteri as much as possible.”

Meanwhile, Cadillac team principal Graeme Lowdon said: “Colton is a top talent, which he has not only proved by building an impressive resume in the NTT IndyCar Series before joining us, but also with a strong start to his Formula 2 season.

"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.”

Cadillac F1 CEO Dan Towriss also shared his thoughts, adding that the 25-year-old was deserving of the opportunity of driving the F1 car.

“Colton has really earned this opportunity,” he said.

“These sessions are a valuable opportunity for him to integrate with the team, develop his skills behind the wheel and off the track, and learn about a Grand Prix weekend from the inside.”