Cadillac has confirmed a Formula 1 driver change for the United States Grand Prix in Austin, with American racing driver Colton Herta set to replace Sergio Perez for the opening free practice session at the Circuit of The Americas.
The 26-year-old will get another opportunity to demonstrate his abilities behind the wheel of Cadillac’s MAC-26 during his home race weekend. The team confirmed that Herta will drive Perez’s car in FP1, continuing his involvement with the American outfit during its debut Formula 1 season.
Herta has already participated in first practice sessions with Cadillac in Barcelona, Budapest and Monza, giving him valuable experience with the team and its current machinery.
Herta returns to a familiar circuit
For Herta, the Austin weekend carries additional significance. The American has fond memories of the Circuit of The Americas, having secured his first IndyCar victory at the venue in 2019.
“Driving the MAC-26 in front of the American fans will be something very special,” said Herta.
“I have great memories of this track – my first IndyCar win here in 2019 was a major milestone in my career, so it feels like things are coming full circle to now be getting into an F1 car on this circuit.”
His previous appearances in Cadillac’s Formula 1 car have helped him establish a working relationship with the engineers, allowing him to approach the latest session with a clearer understanding of what the team requires.
“I’ve found a good rhythm with the team, so my goal for Friday morning is clear: to complete the test program cleanly, to help the engineers gather good data on the setup, and to return the car to Checo with useful feedback to support the team for the rest of the weekend,” Herta added.
Cadillac expects valuable technical feedback
Cadillac team principal Marcin Budkowski believes Herta’s familiarity with the Austin circuit will be an advantage as the team prepares for the competitive sessions.
“Colton knows this race track very well from his IndyCar career, so his feedback will be very valuable as we determine our starting point for the weekend,” Budkowski explained.
The team will be looking to use the opening practice session to gather information on the car’s setup and assess how it responds to the demands of the circuit before Perez returns to the cockpit.
Budkowski also highlighted the significance of competing in the second United States race weekend of the season for Cadillac, which is making its first campaign in Formula 1.
“It’s a great moment for the whole team and all the people working for Cadillac to be racing in the US,” he said.
“After a solid weekend in Singapore, where both cars finished after a hard-fought battle, returning to the USA gives the whole team a boost.”
Circuit of The Americas presents a setup challenge
Although Herta knows the circuit well from his IndyCar career, Cadillac faces a demanding technical challenge at the venue.
The 5.5-kilometre Circuit of The Americas combines fast changes of direction with slower corners, requiring teams to find a compromise between aerodynamic performance, mechanical grip and stability.
“The Circuit of The Americas is a fantastic race track and a real challenge – the fast, twisty section in Sector 1 and the tight, slow corners at the end of the lap pose a challenge to car setup, and the bumps make things even more complicated,” Budkowski said.
Herta’s FP1 appearance will therefore serve a dual purpose: giving the American another opportunity to gain Formula 1 experience while helping Cadillac collect useful technical information ahead of qualifying and the race.
For Perez, the session means temporarily handing over his car to the team’s test driver before resuming his duties for the remainder of the weekend.
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