Cadillac hands Colton Herta four FP1 outings in 2026 development push

The 26 year old from California will make his FP1 debut at the Barcelona Catalunya Grand Prix, with three further sessions scheduled later in the season as part of Cadillac’s young driver programme.

The outings form a key step in Herta’s transition into the Formula 1 environment, following simulator work at the team’s Charlotte base and his parallel campaign in Formula 2.

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

Cadillac has positioned the programme as a structured development pathway, integrating Herta into live race weekends as the team builds towards its debut season.

Herta’s FP1 allocation covers all four mandatory rookie sessions required under Formula 1 regulations, signalling Cadillac’s intent to maximise track time for its test driver.

Team Principal Graeme Lowdon made clear the sessions are part of a broader performance strategy rather than a standalone opportunity: “Colton is a top talent, which he has not only proved by building an impressive resume in the 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," added Lowdon.

Herta’s early results in Formula 2, including a points finish in Melbourne, have strengthened his case internally as Cadillac evaluates its future driver pool.

The American will also be on track during the Miami Grand Prix weekend, where Formula 2 races at the Miami Autodrome for the first time, giving him further exposure to a Formula 1 event environment.

Cadillac CEO Dan Towriss underlined the importance of integrating Herta into the team’s wider operations.

“Colton has really earned this opportunity,” Towriss 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.”

With operations established across the United States and the United Kingdom, Cadillac continues to build its structure ahead of its 2026 debut, using Herta’s FP1 programme as a key component in its early development phase as it prepares to enter the Formula 1 grid.