Colton Herta will get Cadillac F1 2026 function amid F2 change rumours

Colton Herta has been named as a Cadillac F1 check driver subsequent yr. 

The American, who has lengthy been linked with a transfer to F1, will fulfil the function as check driver for the brand new staff once they enter the world championship in 2026.

Herta had been mooted as a attainable possibility for Cadillac, who confirmed Valtteri Bottas and Sergio Perez as their driver line-up for subsequent season final month. 

The 25-year-old completed second in final yr’s IndyCar collection and has racked up 9 victories, 19 podiums and 16 poles since becoming a member of full-time in 2019. 

Herta shot to fame when he turned IndyCar’s youngest-ever winner at simply 18 years outdated in the identical yr. 

“I’m extremely excited to be becoming a member of the Cadillac Components 1 Group as a Check Driver,” Herta stated. “It is a dream alternative, and one I’ve been working in the direction of for a very long time. To be a part of Cadillac F1’s entry at such a pivotal time is one thing I couldn’t move up.

“My dream has at all times been to race in Components 1, and I see this transfer as an enormous step in the direction of that purpose. For now, my focus is on giving every little thing I can to Cadillac F1, serving to construct a aggressive staff.”

Cadillac staff principal Graeme Lowdon stated: “We’re delighted to welcome Colton Herta as a Check Driver. Colton is an exceptionally proficient racer with confirmed pace, race craft, and maturity nicely past his years. 

“His expertise in top-level American motorsport as a part of the TWG Motorsport household makes him an excellent match for this function, and he’ll carry helpful and recent perception, perspective, and vitality to our staff as we proceed to construct for the long run.

“Having an American driver be part of an American Components 1 staff is a massively important second, not just for our Group, however for American motorsport as an entire. Colton represents the fervour, ambition, and aggressive spirit that outline the Cadillac Components 1 Group, and we’re proud to have him carry the American flag with us on the world stage.”

Colton Herta linked with F2 change 

In line with experiences, a number of F2 groups have been sounded out about the opportunity of operating Herta within the championship subsequent yr. 

Herta’s racing plans for 2026 stay unconfirmed however a change to F2 – F1’s direct feeder collection – can be a shock. 

Cadillac’s assertion added that “bulletins on Herta’s 2026 racing programme might be made in the end.”