The new Formula 1 Cadillac team chose Valtteri Bottas and Sergio Perez to drive the newest addition to F1; but American IndyCar driver Colton Herta will be joining the team as the test driver.
The Cadillac team stated that Herta’s driving schedule will be announced at a later date with the possibility of the 25 year old driver racing fulltime in Formula 2 (the feeder series for F1).
Formula 1 requires a “super license” in order to driver – something that Herta does not have but the test driving and F2 will aid him in obtaining that license.
Herta spoke on joining the team saying, “I’m incredibly excited to be joining the Cadillac Formula 1 Team as a test driver. This is a dream opportunity, and one I’ve been working towards for a long time. To be part of Cadillac F1’s entry at such a pivotal time is something I couldn’t pass up.”
He added, “my dream has always been to race in Formula 1, and I see this move as a huge step towards that goal. For now, my focus is on giving everything I can to Cadillac F1, helping build a competitive team.”
This marks a return to European racing for Herta who made his debut in 2015 – still in his teens.
The son of IndyCar driver and team owner Bryan Herta, Colton joined IndyCar in 2017; winning the race at Circuit of the Americas at the age of 18 to become the youngest driver to win the race.
He has also won endurance race wins in the IMSA WeatherTech Sportscar Championship at the Rolex 24 and 12 Hours at Sebring.
Cadillac team principal Graeme Lowdon spoke on Herta joining the team saying, “we are delighted to welcome Colton Herta as a Test Driver. Colton is an exceptionally talented racer with proven speed, race craft, and maturity well beyond his years. His experience in top-level American motorsport as part of the TWG Motorsport family makes him an ideal fit for this role, and he will bring valuable and fresh insight, perspective, and energy to our team as we continue to build for the future.”
He added, “having an American driver join an American Formula 1 team is a hugely significant moment, not only for our Team, but for American motorsport as a whole. Colton represents the passion, ambition, and competitive spirit that define the Cadillac Formula 1 Team, and we are proud to have him carry the American flag with us on the world stage.”
Andretti Global Racing quickly found their replacement for Colton Herta after he left for the new Formula 1 Cadillac team.
Australian born driver Will Power leaves Team Penske after 17 years with the team to take over the driving duties as Herta’s replacement in the 26 car.
Power is a two time IndyCar champion and an Indianapolis 500 winner.
Power spoke on the move saying, “this is a whole new chapter for me. I have to say that sometimes a change of scenery and a fresh start is very energizing. I can’t wait.”
Team Penske refused to negotiate a new contract with Power for most of the season; leaving Power feeling slighted.
Power joins Indy 500 winner Marcus Ericsson and Kyle Kirkwood at Andretti Global.
COO of TWG Motorsport and president of Andretti Global Jill Gregory spoke on the driver change saying, “I want to thank Colton Herta for all the great memories and success he brought to Andretti Global during his time with the team. We’re incredibly proud of him and wish him the best in his new F1 journey.”
She added, “we couldn’t think of a better driver than Will Power to fill Colton’s shoes here at Andretti and take the wheel of the No. 26 Honda. Will is a fierce competitor whose record speaks for itself. Additionally, he’s a great personality and we feel he’ll be a strong fit for the team culturally as well.”
During his 20 year career, Will Power has earned 71 poles, has 45 race wins, and has won races every year of his career except 2023 – the year he almost lost his wife to a staff infection.
While IndyCar just finished their 2025 season, Team Penske states that Power’s contract does not end until the end of December and they will not give Power permission to leave before the contract ends. He will move over to Andretti in January.
Speaking on the move Power said, “I just want to say how excited I am to be joining Andretti Global. I can’t thank Dan, Jill and the team enough for this opportunity. Colton is someone that I’ve been massively impressed with for a while. He has a lot of natural ability, and I think he’s going to do a great job over in Europe. I’m excited to watch him and will work to step in and do everyone on the 26 team proud.”
He added, “I’m really looking forward to meeting all the Andretti team and getting to work in 2026. They have some very smart people, and I know it will be enjoyable to get to winning. I’m also looking forward to driving for Honda.”