Colton Herta has been named as a take a look at driver for the Cadillac Method 1 group, and a swap from IndyCar to racing in Method 2 for the American stays a chance.
Cadillac’s Method 1 entry had beforehand been beneath the Andretti guise and initially meant to run Herta as one in all its two race drivers. However with Herta unable to safe a Tremendous License – the Californian fell 5 factors in need of the required 40 this season – the group has a driver line-up of skilled pair Sergio Perez and Valtteri Bottas for 2026.
With the intention to enhance his possibilities of incomes the factors and being eligible for a Cadillac race seat in future, Herta and TWG Motorsports have been exploring the potential of creating the swap to the F1 feeder sequence subsequent season.
Herta has now been confirmed as becoming a member of Cadillac in a take a look at driver function. As reported by RACER last week, a number of F2 groups had been sounded out in regards to the potential of working Herta within the sequence, however at this stage his racing plans stay unconfirmed.
“I’m extremely excited to be becoming a member of the Cadillac Method 1 group as a take a look at driver,” Herta stated. “This can be 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 go up.
“My dream has at all times been to race in Method 1, and I see this transfer as an enormous step in the direction of that aim. For now, my focus is on giving all the things I can to Cadillac F1, serving to construct a aggressive group.”
TWG Motorsports and Cadillac F1 CEO Dan Towriss had spoken about making an attempt to create a pathway for an American driver to race in F1 in future, however group principal Graeme Lowdon says Herta’s skills will present loads of worth to the group in his preliminary function.
“We’re delighted to welcome Colton Herta as a take a look at driver,” Lowdon stated. “Colton is an exceptionally proficient racer with confirmed velocity, 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 convey precious and contemporary perception, perspective, and vitality to our group as we proceed to construct for the long run.
“Having an American driver be a part of an American Method 1 group is a vastly important second, not just for our group, however for American motorsport as an entire. Colton represents the eagerness, ambition, and aggressive spirit that outline the Cadillac Method 1 Workforce, and we’re proud to have him carry the American flag with us on the world stage.”
Sources recommend an F2 program might nonetheless be added to assist his Tremendous License ambitions however just isn’t assured. With one level expiring on the finish of the three-year cycle, Herta might want to choose up six Tremendous License factors subsequent 12 months if he’s to be eligible for a 2027 race seat.
Ought to he decide to race in F2, the sequence gives 40 factors to the highest three finishers in its championship, whereas a high eight end could be sufficient for Herta, in comparison with high six in IndyCar. There are three factors accessible for a high 10 end – in comparison with one in IndyCar – and Herta might additionally complement his complete by participating in FP1 periods for Cadillac subsequent season.
An FP1 outing that sees a driver full greater than 100km and never earn any penalties carries one Tremendous License level.
