Colton Herta Confirmed for Four Cadillac FP1 Outings in 2026, Starting at Barcelona

**TL;DR** Colton Herta will participate in four Formula 1 First Practice (FP1) sessions with Cadillac in 2026, commencing at the Barcelona-Catalunya Grand Prix. This move positions him within Cadillac's emerging F1 program.

**Context** Cadillac is preparing its entry into Formula 1 for the 2026 season. As part of this preparation, the team is integrating new talent into its operations. Herta, an American driver, currently serves as a test driver for Cadillac while also competing in Formula 2, aiming for a future Formula 1 debut.

**Key Facts** Cadillac announced Colton Herta’s debut in a practice session at the upcoming Barcelona-Catalunya Grand Prix. This initial outing marks the first of four First Practice (FP1) sessions Herta will complete with the team over the course of the 2026 season. During these sessions, Herta will substitute for regular drivers Valtteri Bottas and Sergio Perez. Herta stated his eagerness to drive the Cadillac F1 car for the first time. He expressed intent to collaborate closely with the team in a full Grand Prix environment, focusing on learning from each appearance and contributing to the overall race weekend. Cadillac’s F1 Team Principal, Graeme Lowdon, affirmed Herta's status as a top talent, noting his impressive background in the NTT IndyCar Series and strong start in Formula 2. Lowdon views these four FP1 sessions as a natural progression in Herta’s development as a test driver.

**What It Means** These practice sessions offer Herta crucial experience in a Formula 1 car within a competitive Grand Prix setting. For Cadillac, this integration of a test driver into official sessions provides valuable data and aids in the development of their new F1 challenger ahead of its 2026 debut. The opportunity allows Herta to demonstrate his capabilities and adaptability to the pinnacle of motorsport. This structured progression solidifies Herta’s developmental path within the Cadillac program. The focus now shifts to Herta’s performance in Barcelona and the subsequent three FP1 sessions, which will indicate his readiness for a full-time F1 seat and Cadillac’s ongoing team development.