Cadillac puts Colton Herta behind the wheel for free practice: "A logical step in his development"

Cadillac continues to lay the groundwork for its F1 project. The American team will give Colton Herta four Free Practice 1 sessions this year, with his first track time scheduled for Barcelona. This marks an important step in the American driver's rise to the top.

It is in Barcelona that Colton Herta will get his first taste of a Formula 1 Grand Prix weekend as a driver on the track. Cadillac has confirmed that the American will participate in Free Practice 1 at the Catalan circuit, the first of four appearances scheduled for this season.

At 26 years old, Herta is part of a hybrid program: competing in Formula 2 this year, he also serves as a test driver for Cadillac, which is actively preparing for its entry into F1.

It's an unusual path—moving from IndyCar to F2 before aiming for F1—but one that reflects a clear goal: to arrive in the paddock ready and, above all, credible.

Four FP1 sessions to prove himself

After Barcelona, Herta will compete in three more Friday sessions throughout the season, serving as a one-off replacement for Valtteri Bottas and Sergio Perez.

A program that is classic in structure but crucial in execution. FP1 sessions are not mere introductory sessions: they are key moments for gathering data, understanding procedures, and above all, integrating into the workings of a team still under construction.

“I'm eager to work with the team over a full weekend and learn from every race,” explains Herta. The rhetoric is polished and focused—but behind it, the stakes are very real. Every lap counts.

Cadillac is making its moves

At Cadillac, they fully embrace this gradual ramp-up. Graeme Lowdon, the team's director, emphasizes the logic behind the program: “It's a natural progression from his role as a test driver.”

In other words: no rushing, just a methodical integration. Herta has already shown solid form in IndyCar, and his F2 debut was deemed encouraging. Now it's a matter of translating that into the very specific environment of F1.

Dan Towriss, the project's CEO, echoes this sentiment: “These sessions are a valuable opportunity to integrate and understand a Grand Prix weekend.”

In short, Cadillac is preparing both its driver and its team.

An accelerated learning curve

For Herta, the goal is clear: to absorb as much information as possible. Between tire management, procedures, working with engineers, and the operational demands of an F1 weekend, there's a lot to take on.

But the timing is interesting. With F2 integrated into certain weekends, notably in Miami and Canada, the American will rack up the miles in a variety of settings.

A great way to develop the ability to quickly assess situations—an essential skill at the highest level.