On September 3, 2025, Colton Herta announced his departure from IndyCar, accepting a reserve driver role with the newly established Cadillac F1 team for the 2026 season. This move raised questions about why Herta would leave his position as the lead driver at Andretti Global to take a backup spot in Formula 1, especially since the American driver had been racing at the top level in IndyCar. The decision reflects Herta’s determination to pursue his long-held dream of competing in Formula 1, despite the inherent risks involved.
How Cadillac F1’s Entry Led to Herta’s Role as Reserve Driver
The Cadillac F1 team officially received approval from Formula One Management and the FIA, positioning itself as a fresh competitor for upcoming seasons. Herta’s name emerged early as a possible driver for the new outfit, but he was unable to secure a super licence due to insufficient points accumulated in 2025. Instead, seasoned drivers Valtteri Bottas and Sergio Perez were announced as the full-time drivers for Cadillac F1’s debut season.
As the 2025 IndyCar season wound down, reports surfaced suggesting Herta might move to FIA Formula 2 to gain the necessary super licence points. Shortly after the season’s conclusion, Cadillac confirmed Herta’s shift to a reserve role, with Will Power named as his Andretti Global replacement. Dan Towriss, CEO of Andretti-Cadillac, described the public announcements surrounding these changes as “choreography,” emphasizing the strategic nature of these moves.
Herta’s Perspective on Leaving IndyCar for the F1 Challenge
Before Herta, fellow IndyCar star Alex Palou attempted to transition to Formula 1, but the move fell through, resulting in legal disputes over his contract with Arrow McLaren. Palou eventually decided to remain in IndyCar. Herta, on the other hand, had been connected to F1 opportunities in the past, including a link with AlphaTauri (now VCARB) in 2023, but was hampered by a lack of super licence points.
Faced with questions regarding his decision to leave a secure IndyCar career for an uncertain role in Formula 1, Herta explained the depth of his motivation, saying,
“For me, it was an incredibly tough decision to make, because I know what I’m leaving behind. I’m leaving behind a great group of guys, an incredibly competitive championship where if it’s your day you can win, and we’ve seen that’s not always the case in Formula 1 – you need the car to compete.” —Colton Herta, Driver
“The easy thing would be to stay in IndyCar. That would be simple for me. I’d live a very similar life. It’s a risk, and it’s a dream of mine, so I thought, this is my last shot at it. I want to do it, I want to take that chance. For me, it’s really just about fighting for my dream.” —Colton Herta, Driver
The Strategic Logic Behind Herta’s Formula 1 Ambitions
After Michael Andretti stepped away from Andretti Global, Dan Towriss took the helm as CEO. With the creation of the Cadillac F1 project, TWG Motorsports was established as the parent company overseeing both Cadillac F1 and Andretti Global, bringing both teams under a common ownership. This structure offers Herta a valuable safety net: if he does not secure a full-time F1 race seat shortly, he can return to compete with Andretti Global, as both initiatives fall within TWG Motorsports’ portfolio.
In addition to his reserve role at Cadillac F1, Herta will compete full-time in the 2026 FIA Formula 2 championship. Should he finish eighth or higher in the F2 standings, he will obtain enough super licence points to qualify for an F1 race seat. The Cadillac F1 team’s initial driver lineup features experienced competitors, but the plan includes adding an American driver once the team is more established.
Herta’s current reserve position places him as a prime candidate for a future race seat at Cadillac F1. His participation in F2, combined with the strategic support from TWG, gives him a path to realize his Formula 1 aspirations without abandoning his roots in American open-wheel racing.
Looking Ahead: The Potential Impact of Herta’s Formula 1 Pursuit
Colton Herta’s decision highlights the high stakes involved in pursuing a spot in Formula 1, where talent alone does not guarantee success without the right opportunities and timing. His move reflects a calculated risk, balancing a dream against the possibility of delay or detours in his racing career. With Herta racing in F2 and integrated into Cadillac F1’s environment, he is positioned for a breakthrough that could bring an American driver back to Formula 1 in a prominent role.
The coming seasons will reveal whether Herta’s gamble pays off, as he strives to secure a super licence and ultimately convert his reserve status into a full-time seat. Meanwhile, his ties with Andretti Global allow him to maintain his competitive edge and fallback options, ensuring his career remains viable regardless of immediate Formula 1 results.
