As the American motorsport world watches with bated breath, Colton Herta has made a bold move — one that could finally position him for a full-time seat in Formula 1.
Announced recently, Herta will step into the 2026 FIA Formula 2 Championship with Hitech GP while simultaneously serving as a test and reserve driver for Cadillac F1 Team, the U.S.-based outfit headed for its 2026 debut. This blog explores what this means for Herta’s career, Cadillac’s strategy, and the pathway from IndyCar to F1 that many believed was closed.
A Change of Title Track
Having raced in the IndyCar Series for eight seasons — including nine wins and an impressive runner-up finish in 2024 — Herta’s ambition always included Formula 1. Yet despite his success, the path wasn’t straightforward: he lacked the full complement of super licence points required by the FIA. On 21 October 2025, Hitech GP confirmed he will contest the 2026 F2 season.
In doing so, Herta traded the familiarity of the U.S. oval and road circuits for the traditional European junior ladder. He will race on the same weekends as F1, on iconic tracks like Silverstone, Monza and Monaco — essential experience for any driver aiming for the pinnacle of single-seater racing.
“I’m incredibly excited to officially be joining F2 for the 2026 Formula 2 season. This is a big shift in my career, and I’m ready for the challenge.” — Herta
“Racing on the same weekends as Formula 1 will give me first-hand experience of that environment and help me grow as part of the Cadillac F1 family.” — Herta
Cadillac’s Long Game: Testing Today, Race Seat Tomorrow
Before the ink dried on Herta’s F2 deal, the Cadillac F1 Team had already named him as their test driver ahead of their 2026 debut. The team — backed by General Motors and managed by TWG Motorsports — has signed Sergio Pérez and Valtteri Bottas as their two race drivers for 2026, leaving Herta’s long-term racing spot open.
Herta’s dual role — F2 competitor and Cadillac development driver — is clearly designed as an investment in his future: gather super licence points, adapt to European racing machinery, and embed in the F1 environment. Cadillac CEO Dan Towriss said:
“Competing in F2 will not only strengthen his racecraft in the European environment but also allow for greater integration with our team as he continues to support us with his testing and simulator duties.”
This alignment of goals suggests Herta is being primed for a race seat — potentially by 2027 — subject to super licence fulfilment and performance.
Previous Cadillac team news:
Graeme Lowdon provides Cadillac F1 Team updates on car progress and reserve drivers
Why This Move Matters — For Herta and American Motorsport
A rare step from IndyCar to F1: While many American drivers have flirted with F1, few have actively stepped down from a top U.S. series to chase the European ladder. Herta’s choice reflects strong conviction.
Super licence requirement: F2 remains the most direct way to accumulate the 40 points needed for a super licence. Herta’s move addresses that critical gap.
Brand alignment: Having an American driver in an American team adds a marketing and cultural edge for Cadillac — aligning with the push to grow F1’s U.S. presence.
Strategic patience: While Herta isn’t in a full F1 seat yet, the dual role allows him to develop without pressure, aligning long-term rather than chasing an immediate, risky promotion.
Challenges & What to Watch
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Adapting from IndyCar to F2 is no simple feat: different tyres, higher downforce, shorter sprint/feature race formats, and tight car-to-car margins.
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Performance in 2026 will matter: Herta needs strong results in F2 to justify Cadillac giving him a race seat.
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Super licence points: While F2 provides a path, he must meet all criteria (including no recent penalties and sufficient race distance) to be eligible for F1 entry.
What’s Next
For Herta, the 2026 season is a proving ground. He will spend weekends on the F1 calendar in the support role, build rapport with Cadillac’s engineers and integrate into the simulator and test programme. On the track, he must show that his racing talent translates into European single-seaters.
For Cadillac, this is part of a long-term narrative: debuting in 2026 with experienced drivers, but planting the seeds for home-grown American talent to rise. Herta’s journey will be worth watching for fans of “road to F1” stories.
Final Thoughts
Colton Herta’s announcement isn’t just a career switch — it’s a statement of intent. From dominating IndyCar to embracing a new challenge in F2, while simultaneously embedding in an F1 team under construction, he demonstrates ambition and strategic planning. If all goes to plan, we may see him in a full F1 seat sooner than many expected — and with a uniquely American story behind it. The road ahead is steep, but the destination could be historic.
