Colton Herta has made a major career change. He will depart the NTT IndyCar Series to take on a new role in Formula 1.
According to a press release, Herta will not return to Andretti Global in 2026. Instead, he will join Cadillac Formula 1 Team, which makes its official entry into F1 in 2026. Herta while serve as the team's test driver. He will work alongside 10-time Grand Prix winner Valtteri Bottas and six-time Grand Prix winner Sergio "Checo" Perez as they control the team's two entries.
"I'm incredibly excited to be joining the Cadillac Formula 1 Team as a Test Driver," Herta said in a press release. "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.
"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."
With Herta moving to F1, Andretti Global will turn to a veteran to fill out the driver lineup. Two-time champion Will Power will join the fold while becoming teammates with Kyle Kirkwood and Marcus Ericsson.
Herta, the son of IndyCar and ChampCar driver Bryan Herta, spent two seasons in Indy's developmental series. He won six races across 2017-18 before moving up to the IndyCar Series full-time in 2019.
Herta has remained in the open-wheel series ever since while leading more than 1,000 laps in 116 starts. He has won the pole 16 times, and he has celebrated nine wins. His best finish in the championship standings was second in 2024.
"We are delighted to welcome Colton Herta as a Test Driver," said Team Principal Graeme Lowdon. "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.
"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."