Colton Hertha has been named the test driver for the Cadillac Formula 1 team, allowing him to switch from IndyCar to Formula 2 races.
Cadillac’s F1 entry was previously under Andretti Guise, and was originally intended to run Herta as one of two race drivers. However, as Hertha is unable to secure a super license, the Californian has dropped five points this season to the required 40 points.
To increase the chances of earning points and qualifying for a Cadillac race seat in the future, HERTA and TWG Motorsports are investigating the possibility of switching to the F1 feeder series next season.
Currently, Hertha has been confirmed to join Cadillac in the role of a test driver. As the racers reported last weekmultiple F2 teams have sounded about the possibility of running Herta in the series, but at this stage his race plans remain unconfirmed.
“We are extremely excited to be joining the Cadillac Formula 1 team as a test driver,” Herta said. “This is a dream opportunity and something I have been working on for a long time, and getting involved in Cadillac F1 entry at such a crucial time is something I couldn’t have missed.
“My dream has always been to race in Formula 1. I think this move is a big step towards that goal. For now, my focus is to give Cadillac F1 everything we can and help build a competitive team.”
Dan Towriss, CEO of TWG Motorsports and Cadillac F1, spoke about trying to make a pathway for American drivers to race in Formula 1 in the future, but the team’s principal, Graeme Lowdon, says Herta’s talent will provide a lot of value to the team in his first role.
“We are delighted to welcome Colton Hertha as our test driver,” Lodon said. “Colton is a highly talented racer who goes far beyond speed, racecraft and maturity. His experience in top-level American motorsports as part of the TWG Motorsport family makes him ideally suited to this role.
“For American drivers to join the American Formula 1 team is a very important moment not only for our team, but for the entire American motorsports. Colton represents the passion, ambition and competitive spirit that defines the Cadillac Formula 1 team.
Sources suggest that the F2 program could still be added to help his super-licensing ambitions, but it is not guaranteed. With one point active at the end of the three-year cycle, Herta will need to earn six Super License Points next year if he qualifies for the 2027 race seat.
If he chooses to race in F2, the series will offer 40 points to top-3 finishers in the championship, but a top-8 finish will be enough for Hertha, compared to IndyCar’s top-six. There are three points to the top 10 finish (compared to one of IndyCars). Herta can also compensate for the total by participating in Cadillac’s FP1 session next season.
There is one Super License Point for FP1 outings that ensure that the driver completes more than 100km and does not earn a penalty.
