Colton Herta Makes Bold Move to Formula 2 in Bid for F1 Dream
American driver Colton Herta is set to take a significant step back in his racing career by moving to the highly competitive FIA Formula 2 Championship in 2026. The 25-year-old IndyCar star, who has previously been on the cusp of a Formula 1 seat, views this transition as his “last shot” at achieving his long-held dream of competing in the sport’s top tier.
Why a 2026 Switch to F2 is Herta’s ‘Last Shot at Reaching F1’
Herta has signed with the Cadillac Formula 1 team as a test and development driver, positions him favourably for a full-time drive in 2027. “Everyone’s seen how close I’ve come before,” he reflected in a recent podcast interview. The talented driver recognizes that this move could define his future, saying, “I think this is my best shot at getting to Formula 1.”
The Risks and Rewards of Moving to F2
Transitioning to F2 at this stage in his career is laden with risk. The junior formula is known for challenging tracks and fierce competition, making success elusive. The example of Ritomo Miyata looms large, as the Toyota protege struggled in F2 after shifting from other racing series, ending up 19th in the championship. Herta is acutely aware of these risks. “For me, it was an incredibly tough decision to make,” he admitted, referencing his strong ties in IndyCar and the competitive nature of that circuit.
Herta’s Determination and Career Path
Herta made headlines early in his IndyCar career by becoming a race winner just days before his 19th birthday. With a total of nine wins to his name, including a strong second-place finish in the championship in 2024, Herta’s pedigree is undeniable. However, the allure of F1 has prompted him to take this calculated risk. “The easy thing would be to stay in IndyCar,” he said. “It’s a risk, and it’s a dream of mine.”
Navigating Challenges on the Road to F1
With 34 superlicence points already secured from recent IndyCar seasons, Herta no longer faces the hurdles he encountered during the AlphaTauri negotiations. To earn an F1 seat, he merely needs a top-eight finish in F2—something he believes is within reach. “I believe in myself; I believe that I’m fast enough to do it,” he stated confidently, acknowledging the challenges ahead but emphasizing his preparation for the transition.
The Future Holds Possibilities
While the possibility of returning to IndyCar lingers, Herta’s focus remains firmly on F1. His plans to integrate into the F1 paddock through F2 should make for a seamless transition, with the added benefit of no clash between the Indy 500 and the Monaco Grand Prix in the upcoming calendar. Herta has left the door open for a possible one-off appearance at Indy, although he stresses the priority remains clear: “The ultimate goal is trying to reach Formula 1 with Cadillac F1.”
A Career in Transition
Despite the uncertainty of what the next few years may bring, Herta remains resolute about his ambitions. “This isn’t a forever goodbye to IndyCar,” he reassured fans. “I see myself coming back to IndyCar at some stage in my career, just because I love it.” For now, all eyes will be on Herta as he embarks on this pivotal chapter with the hopes of making it to Formula 1.
For real-time updates and in-depth coverage of Colton Herta’s journey in the world of motorsport, stay tuned to BBC Sport.