Updated

Updated · BBC.com · Jun 11

Colton Herta Makes F1 FP1 Debut in Barcelona as 7 Rookies Replace Full-Time Drivers

Updated

Updated · BBC.com · Jun 11

Colton Herta Makes F1 FP1 Debut in Barcelona as 7 Rookies Replace Full-Time Drivers

Q: After his F1 practice debut, what is the next step for American driver Colton Herta with Cadillac?

Colton Herta’s next step with Cadillac is to take part in three more Free Practice 1 sessions later in the 2026 Formula 1 season. After making his F1 practice debut in Barcelona, where he replaced Sergio Perez in Cadillac’s rookie-mandated FP1 outing, Herta is expected to continue in his role as the team’s test driver. Those additional FP1 appearances are designed to give him more mileage in the car, help Cadillac evaluate him in a race-weekend environment, and support the team’s development work during its first season in Formula 1. Alongside those F1 sessions, Herta is also set to continue his Formula 2 programme. That means Cadillac’s immediate plan is not a full-time race seat, but a gradual build-up of experience through selected practice outings while he remains active in junior-category competition.

Q: With Barcelona and Spa now alternating, which iconic track is more vital for Formula 1's future?

Spa-Francorchamps is the more vital track for Formula 1’s future, though Barcelona-Catalunya may be the more useful one. If the question is about what F1 cannot easily replace, Spa stands out. Its 7.004km layout, major elevation changes, unpredictable Ardennes weather and corners such as Eau Rouge-Raidillon give the championship a type of sporting test almost no modern circuit can match. It remains one of the few venues that drivers, teams and fans consistently describe as essential to the identity of Formula 1. F1 can build new races and modern facilities elsewhere; it cannot recreate Spa’s character. Barcelona’s case is strong, but different. The Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya is one of the sport’s best technical reference tracks, long valued for testing, tyre evaluation and exposing the true strengths and weaknesses of a car. That matters even more in a regulation-heavy era, and the circuit’s recent layout changes have improved the racing product. It also fits F1’s commercial and operational needs well, especially with Spain now hosting two races and Madrid taking the “Spanish Grand Prix” name. The alternating deal itself shows F1 sees both as important. Barcelona supports the sport’s development and business model; Spa protects its competitive soul and historical credibility. If Formula 1 had to preserve only one iconic European circuit for what it represents to the championship, Spa would be harder to lose.

3 articles · Updated · BBC.com · Jun 11

Seven rookies will take over cars in Friday's first practice at the Barcelona-Catalunya Grand Prix, with Colton Herta making his first Formula 1 appearance for Cadillac in Sergio Perez's seat.
The FP1 swaps are driven by F1's rule requiring each full-time driver to hand over their car for two practice sessions during the season, making Barcelona the first major rookie influx of 2026.
Herta, 26, moved from IndyCar to Formula 2 with Hitech this year and sits 13th in the standings; McLaren reserve Leo Fornaroli is also set for a first FP1 outing after winning F3 and F2 titles.
Mercedes, Ferrari, Red Bull, Williams and Audi are also fielding rookies in FP1, while the weekend opens round seven with Kimi Antonelli leading the championship by 66 points after five straight wins.