Colton Herta’s decision to leave IndyCar for Formula 2 has reignited discussions about whether the Californian driver is ready to climb the Formula 1 ranks. Lando Norris, currently racing for McLaren and once Herta’s teammate, has publicly supported this move, emphasizing Herta’s talent and potential in the world of F1. This transition is a critical step for Herta as he pursues his Formula 1 ambitions.
Herta, who has been named Cadillac’s reserve driver for their 2026 F1 debut, will compete full-time in Formula 2 next season. His objective is to accumulate the points required for an FIA superlicence, a mandatory credential for Formula 1 participation. Cadillac’s construction of a competitive F1 team includes experienced Grand Prix winners Sergio Perez and Valtteri Bottas, heightening the pressure on Herta to prove his readiness through strong performances in the feeder series.
Lando Norris Highlights Herta’s Exceptional Driving Abilities
In light of uncertainty regarding Herta’s suitability for Formula 1, Lando Norris spoke to IndyStar, defending his former teammate’s qualifications. Norris remarked that Herta’s skill behind the wheel of a Formula 1 car could surpass many rising drivers currently in F3 and F2. He suggested that, from his perspective, Herta’s proven ability might negate the need to race in Formula 2 at all to be deemed F1-ready.
Further elaborating on the challenge of IndyCar, Norris acknowledged the series as one of the toughest to compete in globally, praising both the difficulty of the cars and the high caliber of its drivers. He argued that the performance level in IndyCar often exceeds that found in Formula 2, hinting that Herta’s experience there should provide a solid foundation for Formula 1 competition.
“I think he’s probably capable of driving a Formula 1 car and driving it at an incredibly high level. He’s probably better than most drivers that are in the ranks and coming up in F3 or F2, so I don’t think he should need to race in F2, if I was the boss.” —Lando Norris, McLaren Driver
“IndyCar is one of the toughest series in the world. I think it’s an incredibly tough car to drive and I’ve driven it myself. But you can tell those things, and the level of those drivers is incredibly high. So I don’t know how many points they get in IndyCar, but I would put them above the level of Formula 2.” —Lando Norris, McLaren Driver
Cadillac’s Strategic Approach to Building a Competitive Formula 1 Team
Cadillac, gearing up to join Formula 1 in 2026, has positioned Colton Herta as their reserve driver, a role that involves supporting their two primary race drivers, Sergio Perez and Valtteri Bottas. The team’s leadership, guided by General Motors and led by CEO Dan Towriss, emphasizes acquiring experience and seasoning young talent through established feeder series like Formula 2. Perez and Bottas bring a combined total of 527 race starts and 16 victories, underscoring Cadillac’s approach of mixing proven skill with emerging potential.
Herta’s European racing experience may prove valuable as he embarks on his full-time F2 campaign. He previously competed in the British MSA Formula championship in 2015 alongside Norris and raced in the EuroFormula Series in 2016, tackling classic circuits such as Spa, Monza, and Barcelona. This background could ease his adaptation to the different racing styles and characteristics prevalent in European open-wheel competitions.
Cadillac CEO Dan Towriss Acknowledges Herta’s Ambition and Risks
Dan Towriss, Cadillac’s CEO, has openly recognized that Herta’s path to Formula 1 involves considerable risk and commitment. Before his upcoming F2 season, Herta has tested Formula 1 machinery with McLaren and participated in simulator sessions with Alpine, Red Bull, and Sauber, building up critical experience. Towriss stresses that this progression is essential for Herta to develop a comprehensive understanding of European track dynamics and tire management.
According to Towriss, merely relying on success achieved in the United States does not guarantee a seamless transition to Formula 1. The CEO pointed out that Herta must earn his position through hard work, learning, and proving himself in the highly competitive environment of European racing.
“For Colton, this has always been a dream of his, to drive in F1, but to do that, this is the path he had to take. He has to take a huge risk, a huge amount of risk, no seat is guaranteed. This is F1, so he wants to learn tracks and tyres and show that respect to European open-wheel racing… The entitlement model from the US hasn’t worked out that well in the past, so we really want to build that body of work, the knowledge that’s necessary, to see if he has what it takes to drive in Formula 1.” —Dan Towriss, Cadillac CEO
Challenges Ahead for Herta in Pursuit of Formula 1 Success
The pathway from IndyCar to Formula 1 has proven difficult for several American drivers despite their accomplishments. Notable examples such as Alex Palou and Pato O’Ward have found it challenging to secure opportunities in Formula 1 even after notable success in US-based series. For Colton Herta, this move represents both ambition and sacrifice, stepping away from a secure IndyCar seat into the more uncertain and demanding environment of Formula 2.
Herta’s ability to quickly adapt to Formula 2’s rigors and the patience Cadillac exercises in his development will be critical factors in determining whether he can fulfill his Formula 1 aspirations. As Cadillac builds its foundation for the 2026 season, Herta’s F2 performance will serve as a key barometer of his readiness to compete on the sport’s biggest stage.
