News summary
- Colton Herta will replace Sergio Pérez in FP1 at the 2026 Italian GP, marking his third Formula 1 practice outing of the season.
- The Cadillac test driver previously drove the MAC-26 in FP1 at the Spanish and Hungarian GPs, gathering data for the team’s development program.
- Herta will have a double-duty weekend at Monza, as he is also competing in Formula 2 with Hitech.
Cadillac confirmed Tuesday (September 1) that Colton Herta, the team’s current test driver, will replace Sergio Pérez during FP1 at the Italian GP, the 13th round of the 2026 Formula 1 season. The American has already taken part in the same session on two occasions this year, in Barcelona and Budapest, collecting valuable information for the team regarding the MAC-26.
This will therefore be Herta’s third Formula 1 outing during a race weekend. In addition to supporting the full-time lineup during Cadillac’s debut season under team principal Marcin Budkowski, the 26-year-old is also competing in Formula 2 with Hitech. He currently sits 16th in the championship, with 26 points.
Herta will consequently have a double-duty weekend at the Autodromo Nazionale di Monza, as the feeder series will also be on track there for its 10th round of the 2026 season.
“This is an excellent opportunity to experience different characteristics of the MAC-26. After driving at high-downforce circuits such as Barcelona and Budapest, the challenge will be very different at Monza,” the American said in a Cadillac statement.
“With the car set up for low drag, it will be more nervous, which will require even greater precision at the braking points and when taking the curbs through the chicanes, searching for the most accurate line possible,” Herta assessed.
“I’m very excited to be able to contribute to the race weekend and the team’s continued development at one of the most iconic circuits in motorsport,” he concluded.
Cadillac remains the only team yet to score a point in the 2026 F1 season and therefore sits 11th and last in the Constructors’ Championship.
For more on the weekend timetable, see the Italian GP 2026 schedule and session times at Monza.
The 2026 Formula 1 season returns this weekend, from September 4 to 6, at Monza. GRANDE PRÊMIO will cover all the action from the Italian GP, the 13th round of the season.
FAQ
1. Why is Colton Herta replacing Sergio Pérez in FP1 at Monza?
Cadillac is using the session to give test driver Colton Herta another opportunity to drive the MAC-26 and collect technical information for the team’s development program.
2. How many times has Colton Herta driven for Cadillac in F1 practice in 2026?
The Italian GP will mark Herta’s third FP1 appearance of the 2026 season. He previously drove the Cadillac in Barcelona and Budapest.
3. Will Colton Herta also race in another championship at Monza?
Yes. Herta is also competing in Formula 2 with Hitech, meaning he will have a particularly busy weekend at Monza with commitments in both F1 and F2.
