Cadillac confirms FP1 plan for Colton Herta in 2026 F1 season

The 26-year-old American will contest four FP1s in the current F1 season, starting with Barcelona in June

Apr. 17, 2026 at 2:38pm

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A fractured, multi-perspective painting depicting a Formula 1 car in motion, broken down into sharp, overlapping geometric planes in Cadillac's signature red and black colors, capturing the raw energy and dynamism of Herta's upcoming F1 debut.Cadillac's young American test driver Colton Herta prepares to make his Formula 1 weekend debut, breaking the mold with a cubist-inspired illustration.Cadillac Today

Cadillac has confirmed Colton Herta's free practice programme for the 2026 Formula 1 campaign, with the ex-IndyCar star contesting four FP1 sessions this season. The 26-year-old will make his F1 weekend debut at the Barcelona-Catalunya Grand Prix on 12-14 June, with his other three appearances to be confirmed at a later date.

Why it matters

This is part of Herta's hunt for an eventual F1 seat, as he has joined Cadillac as a test driver for the American outfit's debut F1 season. Completing the FP1 sessions is a natural next step in his development, as he looks to contribute to the team's overall race weekend performance.

The details

Herta ended a seven-season stint in IndyCar to move to Europe and become Cadillac's test driver for the 2026 F1 season. Part of his remit is driving free practice sessions due to a rule that requires F1 racers to skip two FP1 outings during a season for a driver with no more than two grand prix starts to take their place.

  • Herta will make his F1 weekend debut at the Barcelona-Catalunya Grand Prix on 12-14 June 2026.
  • The other three FP1 appearances will be confirmed at a later date.

The players

Colton Herta

A 26-year-old American driver who has joined Cadillac as a test driver for the American outfit's debut F1 season, and will contest four FP1 sessions in 2026.

Cadillac

An American automotive company that is making its debut in Formula 1 in 2026, with Colton Herta as their test driver.

Sergio Perez

A Formula 1 driver who Herta will fill in for during the FP1 sessions.

Valtteri Bottas

A Formula 1 driver who Herta will fill in for during the FP1 sessions.

Graeme Lowdon

The team principal of the Cadillac Formula 1 Team.

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What they’re saying

“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.”

— Colton Herta

“Colton is a top talent, which he has not only proved by building an impressive resume in IndyCar before joining us, but also with a strong start to his Formula 2 season. 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.”

— Graeme Lowdon, Cadillac team principal

What’s next

Herta's other three FP1 appearances will be confirmed at a later date.

The takeaway

Herta's FP1 programme with Cadillac is a crucial step in his pursuit of an eventual Formula 1 seat, as he looks to gain experience in a full grand prix environment and contribute to the team's development.