Colton Herta Makes Shock Switch from IndyCar to Formula 2
Colton Herta is set to make a surprising transition from IndyCar to Formula 2 in 2026, as announced by Cadillac Formula 1 team CEO Dan Towriss. The announcement comes on the heels of Cadillac’s recruitment of F1 veterans Sergio Perez and Valtteri Bottas as primary drivers for its inaugural campaign.
Herta’s Unconventional Path to Formula 1
The 24-year-old American, who finished as the 2024 IndyCar runner-up, will navigate the challenges of F2 to potentially secure a spot in Formula 1 for the 2027 season. Towriss emphasized the risk involved in Herta’s decision, stating, “He’s leaving IndyCar and pursuing a dream that is not guaranteed. He’s opting for an unconventional path, proving his worth in a new arena.”
A New Challenge Ahead
Herta’s move to F2 is particularly noteworthy, given the current trend of IndyCar drivers seeking stable careers. He must familiarize himself with distinct aspects of F2, such as tire management and track dynamics, quite different from those he has dealt with in IndyCar. Towriss commended Herta for his courage to embrace change, noting, “He’s going to grow tremendously with this opportunity.”
A Bright Future with Cadillac F1
There are high hopes for Herta, with Towriss expressing optimism about a potential F1 seat for him. “I’m confident Colton will get his shot, but he knows he has to earn it,” he remarked. Herta’s ability to adapt has already attracted attention, especially following his impressive performances in tests where he outpaced experienced drivers.
Previous Near-F1 Opportunities
Herta has come close to securing an F1 seat in the past, notably during Andretti’s bid to acquire Sauber in 2021. His talents, however, were turned away due to superlicence regulations, a setback that did not diminish his appeal. “He’s built up a natural body of work that not everybody knows about,” said Towriss, as he highlighted Herta’s testing experiences with Mclaren and Red Bull.
The Road Ahead
With nine IndyCar victories under his belt, Herta’s skill set, particularly on street and road courses, positions him as a compelling candidate for Cadillac’s F1 aspirations. “Colton adapts quickly to new information, a crucial skill in Formula 1,” Towriss concluded, as fans await to see how the American star will fare on his new journey.
Stay tuned for more updates on Colton Herta and Cadillac’s exciting ambitions in the world of motorsport.
