Colton Herta’s toe‑first pedal technique ahead of Cadillac F1 FP1 in Barcelona

*TL;DR: IndyCar winner Colton Herta will drive a Cadillac F1 car in Barcelona’s FP1, using a toe‑first pedal technique that eliminates the need for a heel rest, and describes the opportunity as a “pinch‑me moment.”

Context Colton Herta, a multiple IndyCar race winner, returned to European open‑wheel racing in 2026 with a full‑season Formula 2 seat at Hitech. Simultaneously, he signed as a test driver for Cadillac’s new Formula 1 entry. His first on‑track appearance for the team comes in the first practice session (FP1) of the Barcelona‑Catalunya Grand Prix.

Key Facts - Herta will take part in Barcelona’s FP1 as part of his Cadillac test‑driver duties. - He describes the chance to drive an F1 car as a “pinch‑me moment,” emphasizing how close he feels to a full‑time seat. - In the cockpit, Herta pushes the accelerator and brake with his toes while keeping his heel lifted, a habit he traces back to karting. - Because his heel is airborne, a traditional heel rest—designed to support the driver’s foot—offers no benefit and would actually impede his pedal input. - Herta notes that the footwell in European cars sits higher than in IndyCars, raising his legs and slightly reducing forward visibility.

What It Means Herta’s toe‑first pedal style is uncommon among F1 drivers, who typically rest their heel on a pedal‑mounted platform to maximize leverage. Cadillac will need to accommodate this preference in the car’s pedal box, potentially influencing future ergonomic designs for drivers with non‑standard footwork. The Barcelona FP1 will be the first public test of how Herta’s technique translates to a 1.6‑liter turbo hybrid chassis, offering data on driver comfort and lap‑time consistency.

The session also serves as a benchmark for Cadillac’s development program. If Herta can extract competitive times while using his unique foot position, the team may consider broader flexibility in driver ergonomics. Watch the Barcelona weekend for telemetry releases and any adjustments Cadillac makes to the pedal layout ahead of the season‑opening race in Bahrain.