Colton Herta will drive a Cadillac F1 car at the U.S. Grand Prix, marking a special return to the Circuit of the Americas where he won his first IndyCar race.
Herta to drive F1 car in Austin
Colton Herta, a test driver for Cadillac, will participate in the fourth free practice session of the United States Grand Prix, likely as a farewell to Formula 1. He will drive the MAC-26 during the first free practice session in Austin, replacing Sergio Pérez.Familiar track for Herta
The United States Grand Prix will have a special flavor for Herta, as he will take the wheel of an F1 car in front of his home crowd on a circuit where he won his first IndyCar victory in 2019. This will be the first time an American driver has participated in an official Formula 1 session on U.S. soil since Logan Sargeant in 2023.Symbolic return to Austin
For Herta, the Circuit of the Americas holds additional symbolic value. It was there that he won his first IndyCar race in 2019, a pivotal moment in his career that launched his success in the American championship. Seven years later, he will return to the track driving a Formula 1 car under the colors of an American constructor.Herta's goals for the session
Beyond the emotional significance, Herta intends to use the session to continue his learning and contribute to Cadillac’s development. His previous appearances in free practice sessions allowed him to understand the team’s procedures and the expectations of the engineers, and his program in Austin will focus on evaluating settings and collecting data.Uncertain future for Herta
This fourth appearance marks a new step in Herta’s integration into Cadillac’s Formula 1 program, even if his role remains limited to free practice sessions. Despite his progress, he still does not have the super license to compete in F1, and his 2027 program remains uncertain, with potential roles in IMSA and the 500 Miles of Indianapolis.
