Colton Herta is set to transition from IndyCar to Formula 2 in 2026, taking a bold step toward securing a future Formula 1 seat with Cadillac F1. This shift marks a significant change as Herta leaves America’s top open-wheel racing series to compete in Europe’s competitive F2, where mastering different racing conditions will be crucial.
Fellow driver Enzo Fittipaldi, who has four years of F2 experience, offered key advice to Herta ahead of this move. Both drivers are making jumps across continents to advance their careers: while Herta moves from IndyCar to F2, Fittipaldi, despite opportunities in IndyCar, is competing in Indy NXT to prepare for higher tiers. Fittipaldi emphasized that Herta’s main hurdle will be adapting to the Pirelli tires used in F2, which require precise management compared to the Firestone tires familiar from IndyCar.
Understanding the Tire Challenge Ahead
Enzo Fittipaldi highlighted the crucial difference in tire behavior between the U.S. and European racing series. Unlike the relatively forgiving Firestone tires in IndyCar, the Pirelli tires in F2 and F1 demand careful handling to maintain peak performance. The “working window” of these tires—the period when they offer maximum grip—is particularly narrow, making tire management a skill that can make or break a race.
“My advice to Colton is to learn how the tires work, ‘cuz I feel the working window of the Pirelli tires in Formula 2 is very small,” the 24-year-old Brazilian said. “So I feel the more experience you have on how to bring the tires in, knowing when the tires are in the optimal window to do the push lap in qualifying is gonna be extremely important, and as well with the team supporting him on that is gonna be very important.”
“I think that’s the biggest difference I have noticed between the US to Europe, the way the tires are brought up to temperature and the way you push on the tires.”
Herta has already begun preparing for this technical shift, completing an F2 test with Hitech TGR last year as part of his buildup toward the 2026 season.
Support from Former Teammate and Reflection on the Move
Kyle Kirkwood, who raced alongside Herta at Andretti Global for three years in IndyCar, expressed admiration for Herta’s courageous decision. Now 27, Kirkwood recognizes the difficulty of stepping backward in series hierarchy to climb upward toward F1 but respects the determination behind the move. Kirkwood himself will replace Herta at Andretti Global in 2026, adding a layer of significance to the transition.
“I’m proud of him for making that leap — it’s not easy. I can’t say that I would do the exact same thing, because I’m now 27 years old, but it’s going to be extremely interesting to watch his progression in the series.”
“I don’t think it’s anything new for him, being in F2 or racing in Europe, because he’s raced F3 before. But him taking that leap now is something that takes a lot of courage, and I think we’re all proud of him here in the US for what he’s done,” Kirkwood added.
With multiple IndyCar wins and several podiums to his name, Herta’s track record underscores his readiness to embrace new challenges. Despite his focus on Formula 2, Herta has expressed that he remains connected to IndyCar and plans to return to the American series after pursuing his F1 ambitions.
Next Steps for Herta’s F2 Campaign
Colton Herta’s F2 journey in 2026 will officially begin with the preseason testing in Barcelona from February 17 to 19. As he faces a steep learning curve, adapting to Europe’s tire dynamics and racing style will be critical. Successfully navigating these challenges will enhance his chances of securing an F1 drive with Cadillac and continuing the legacy of American drivers on motorsport’s biggest stage.
Both Enzo Fittipaldi and Kyle Kirkwood’s perspectives highlight the complexity and bravery involved in this career move. As this new chapter unfolds, the motorsport community will watch closely to see how Herta applies his honed skills and adapts to Europe’s demanding racing environment.
