Colton Herta Confirmed for Four FP1 Sessions with Cadillac in 2026 F1 Season

Cadillac has officially announced that American driver Colton Herta will participate in four Free Practice 1 (FP1) sessions during the 2026 Formula 1 season as part of the team’s young driver development program. The 26-year-old, who is currently competing in Formula 2 with Hitech while serving as a test driver for Cadillac, will make his FP1 debut at the Barcelona-Catalunya Grand Prix in June.

According to Cadillac’s official announcement, Herta will drive in place of regular race drivers Valtteri Bottas and Sergio Pérez across the four sessions, with the Barcelona event marking his first appearance behind the wheel of the team’s F1 car at a Grand Prix weekend.

Herta’s Path to F1 Through F2 and Test Driving

Herta transitioned to Formula 2 in 2026 after a seven-season career in the NTT IndyCar Series, where he established himself as one of America’s most prominent open-wheel racers. His move to Europe was aimed at advancing his goal of securing a full-time Formula 1 seat.

In his F2 debut with Hitech at the Albert Park Circuit in Melbourne, Herta scored points by finishing seventh in the Feature Race, marking a strong start to his campaign in the series.

As part of his role with Cadillac, Herta has been actively involved in simulator work and development efforts at the team’s facility in Charlotte, North Carolina. The FP1 sessions represent a key step in integrating him into live race weekend operations.

What the FP1 Sessions Mean for Herta and Cadillac

The four FP1 appearances are structured to allow Herta to gain valuable experience in a real Grand Prix environment while contributing to the team’s development work. Cadillac Team Principal Graeme Lowdon praised Herta’s progression, citing his IndyCar background and strong early performance in Formula 2 as evidence of his potential.

“Colton is a top talent,” Lowdon said. “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.”

Cadillac CEO Dan Towriss added that Herta has earned the opportunity through his dedication and performance, noting that the sessions will help him grow both on and off the track.

Statements from Colton Herta

Expressing his excitement about the upcoming opportunity, Herta 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.”

He similarly confirmed that he will be filling in for either Sergio Pérez or Valtteri Bottas during the FP1 sessions, in accordance with FIA regulations that allow substitute drivers to participate when regular racers miss sessions.

Looking Ahead: Herta’s 2026 Campaign

Herta’s 2026 schedule involves balancing his responsibilities as a Formula 2 competitor with his test and development duties for Cadillac. His participation in FP1 sessions is expected to occur at spaced intervals throughout the season, with the exact dates for the remaining three appearances to be confirmed later in the year.

The initiative underscores Cadillac’s commitment to nurturing young talent as it prepares for its full entry into Formula 1, while also providing Herta with a structured pathway toward achieving his ambition of racing at the highest level of motorsport.

Key Takeaways

• Colton Herta will drive in four FP1 sessions for Cadillac during the 2026 Formula 1 season.
• His FP1 debut will take place at the Barcelona-Catalunya Grand Prix in June 2026.
• Herta is currently competing in Formula 2 with Hitech while serving as a test driver for Cadillac.
• He scored points on his F2 debut with a seventh-place finish in Melbourne.
• The FP1 appearances are part of Cadillac’s young driver program and Herta’s path to a potential F1 race seat.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is Colton Herta?

Colton Herta is an American racing driver who previously competed in the NTT IndyCar Series before transitioning to Formula 2 in 2026. He is currently a test driver for Cadillac’s Formula 1 team.

What is an FP1 session in Formula 1?

FP1, or Free Practice 1, is the first practice session held on the Friday of a Formula 1 Grand Prix weekend. It allows teams to test car setups and drivers to acclimate to the circuit.

Why is Cadillac running Herta in FP1 sessions?

Cadillac is using the FP1 sessions to develop Herta’s experience in a live F1 environment as part of its young driver program, while also complying with FIA rules that permit substitute drivers when regular racers miss sessions.

Will Colton Herta race in a Grand Prix in 2026?

As of the announcement, Herta is confirmed only for FP1 sessions. There is no indication he will compete in a qualifying session or race during the 2026 season.