Herta’s departure from full-time IndyCar competition follows the team’s decision to redirect his seat to veteran Will Power, who joins Andretti Global for the 2026 IndyCar season. Herta’s transition aligns with Cadillac’s F1 debut, where he will support the experienced race drivers Sergio Perez and Valtteri Bottas as a test and development driver, gaining valuable experience with F1 machinery and circuits.
Although Herta fell just short of the required Super License points this season, a program including F2 racing participation and FP1 session appearances in F1 cars could help him meet the threshold. His goal is to leverage this experience and points accumulation to secure an F1 race seat in the coming years.
Team principal Graeme Lowdon and Cadillac CEO Dan Towriss praise Herta’s talent, racecraft, and maturity, emphasizing the significance of having an American driver representing the American-based F1 team on the world stage.
This move marks a bold career transition for Herta, who has enjoyed success in IndyCar with nine wins and numerous poles, signaling his ambitions to compete at the pinnacle of motorsport. Industry experts and fans will be watching closely as Herta navigates this challenging step toward a possible Formula 1 future.
