Colton Herta Shifts Gears to Formula 2 in Bid for F1 Future

Colton Herta, a prominent figure in American racing and a standout in IndyCar, is making a bold career move by shifting to Formula 2 (F2), aiming for a future in Formula 1 (F1). At 25 years old, he will join the Hitech team in the F2 grid, a decision that many consider both daring and unprecedented. This transition marks a significant step backward in the conventional trajectory of racing careers, as Herta aims to leverage the experience to secure a position in F1 by 2026.

Herta’s decision to enter F2 comes with substantial challenges. He will navigate tracks he has never encountered, learn to master the complex Pirelli tires, and compete against a field of younger drivers who have been acclimating to these conditions for years. The expectations surrounding his performance are immense, and the pressure to succeed will be palpable. The competitive nature of F2 is well-documented, with many drivers struggling to maintain consistency throughout the season, as seen with drivers like Oliver Bearman and Kimi Antonelli in 2024.

The backing of Cadillac and its F1 team principal, Graeme Lowdon, played a crucial role in Herta’s decision. Cadillac is set to debut in F1 at the 2026 Australian Grand Prix, although the team opted for experienced drivers Valtteri Bottas and Sergio Pérez for its initial lineup. Herta remains optimistic about his future with the team, which includes a test program and participation in at least one Friday practice session during a grand prix weekend.

Reflecting on this pivotal moment, Herta expressed to ESPN, “I look at it as this is probably my last shot at Formula 1, given my age and everything considered. For sure, it’s untried and untested… I’m excited.” Despite initial hesitations about moving to F2, Herta acknowledged the persuasive nature of Lowdon’s vision for his career, highlighting the importance of this step to develop his skills and prepare for a potential F1 opportunity.

Herta recognizes the immense talent present in F2 and the steep learning curve he faces. “It’s a tough championship,” he noted. “It’s extremely good teams, very smart engineers. They’ve all been doing it for a long time.” He emphasized the desire to win races while also acknowledging the need for patience as he adapts to the competitive environment.

The geographic and financial considerations of modern racing have influenced Herta’s journey. Young American karting talents often grapple with the choice of racing domestically or pursuing opportunities in Europe, where the open-wheel racing ladder is notoriously challenging and costly. Herta’s early experience in European racing with Carlin in 2015 and 2016, where he competed alongside Lando Norris in British Formula 3, provided him with valuable insights, but his path ultimately led him to IndyCar.

Furthermore, the FIA’s superlicense system has complicated Herta’s pursuit of an F1 seat. The system awards points based on performance in various FIA championships, creating a barrier for drivers from non-FIA series like IndyCar. Despite being a runner-up in the 2024 IndyCar season, Herta received only seven superlicense points, falling short of the 40 required for F1 eligibility. This discrepancy highlights the challenges faced by talented drivers in the U.S. racing scene.

Herta’s patience has been tested, particularly following missed opportunities, such as a potential participation in FP1 at the U.S. Grand Prix in 2021. His long-standing connection with Michael Andretti and the evolving dynamics of the Cadillac F1 team have kept him in the conversation for a future F1 seat. Herta believes that his current situation, although frustrating, ultimately provides a unique chance to learn and grow before making the transition to F1.

“It’s bizarre,” Herta remarked regarding the superlicense points system. “For me, it’s frustrating for so many years of being so close and not being able to do it. This is probably my last shot, and I think this is also one of the coolest opportunities I’ve been given.” He sees his alignment with an American team backed by a domestic engine manufacturer as a significant advantage.

Herta’s debut in Formula 2 is scheduled for the weekend of the 2026 Australian Grand Prix. He will participate in the Melbourne sprint race on March 7, followed by the feature race on March 8. As he embarks on this new chapter, Herta remains focused on his ultimate goal of securing a competitive position in Formula 1.