Cadillac outlines 2026 FP1 plans for IndyCar star-turned-F1 hopeful
Cadillac confirms Colton Herta's F1 practice programme for 2026.
Colton Herta will participate in no fewer than four Formula 1 practice sessions during the 2026 season, Cadillac has announced.
The American outfit confirmed on Friday afternoon its free practice programme for test driver Herta, who will make his FP1 debut at the Barcelona-Catalunya Grand Prix in mid-June.
Herta, who is competing in Formula 2 this season as he looks to qualify for an F1 superlicence, has already completed runs in Cadillac’s simulator at its headquarters in Charlotte, North Carolina.
The 26-year-old finished seventh in the Australia feature race on his F2 debut, having made the switch from IndyCar this year.
Herta, a nine-time IndyCar winner who finished runner-up in the 2024 championship, 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.”
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.”
Herta will be back in F2 action during the Miami Grand Prix weekend as the series visits the Miami Autodrome for the first time to support F1.
“Colton has really earned this opportunity,” Cadillac CEO Dan Towriss added. “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.”
Herta’s FP1 outings will fulfil Cadillac’s mandatory quota of running a rookie driver in practice sessions throughout a season.
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