Cadillac hands Colton Herta fresh F1 chance at Hungaroring

Cadillac has confirmed that Colton Herta will participate in FP1 for this weekend’s Formula 1 Hungarian Grand Prix.

The American marque has taken the former IndyCar star under its wing in what is its debut season in the sport, with Herta participating in Formula 2 with its backing via a seat with Hitech.

As its official test driver, Herta has the benefit of working closely with the team, as Sergio Perez and Valtteri Bottas continue to help the Silverstone-based squad navigate its nascent steps in the world of F1.

Herta’s first appearance was in place of Perez in FP1 for the Barcelona-Catalunya Grand Prix, and at the Hungaroring, in which he will also balance his F2 duty, will take Bottas’ seat in the MAC-26.

“It’s very exciting to get another chance in FP1,” he said. “It’s a good opportunity for my personal experience, but the ultimate goal is, of course, to help the team with its development. It’s been six weeks since I was last in the car, and there’s been a lot of evolution in that time.

“My job is to help the race drivers have the best possible Hungarian Grand Prix – but also provide the feedback that will aid the team in its long-term development aims and give me a better baseline in future sessions.”