Colton Herta, the 25-year-old American IndyCar talent, confirmed earlier this week that he will join the Formula Racing Series in 2026 as part of his progression toward Formula 1. Simultaneously, Cadillac announced that Herta will serve as one of their test drivers during their debut season in Formula 1 in 2026. This move signals a significant shift for Herta as he steps into the European racing scene with aspirations to compete among the world’s best.
In an interview with RACER, Cadillac Formula 1 CEO Dan Towriss and Team Principal Graeme Lowdon revealed that Herta intends to contest the Formula 2 championship as a crucial stage in his development toward F1 competition.
“It certainly seems like an obvious path [Formula 2] from that standpoint, in terms of just the knowledge that’s needed to feel the cars, knowing the tires and the tracks. I guess at what point they come over, whether they need to come over right after karting or at a later stage.” —Dan Towriss, CEO of Cadillac F1 Team
Preparing For Formula 1: Gaining Points and Experience in Formula 2
Colton Herta has long held ambitions of racing in Formula 1, but as of the close of the 2025 IndyCar season, he still requires six more Superlicense points to qualify for an F1 race seat. The transition from IndyCar to Formula Racing presents numerous challenges, including adapting to new tracks with unfamiliar dynamics and competing against younger drivers who have developed within the Formula feeder system since early in their careers.
Towriss emphasized that Herta’s decision to compete in Formula 2 is rooted in a desire to respect the European open-wheel racing ladder and to earn his path to F1 through merit rather than connections. Despite Herta’s association with Andretti, he will need to prove himself on track.
“I think this also is a nod to showing respect to European open-wheel racing. I think we’ve seen a lot of times someone says, ‘Oh, well, you’re the IndyCar champion and now you’re going to move over to Formula 1.’ And it’s like that entitlement approach hasn’t worked in the past. Everything has to be earned and each series is different.” —Dan Towriss, CEO of Cadillac F1 Team
The Search for a Formula 2 Seat and Herta’s Approach to Racing
Details about which Formula 2 team Herta will join remain unconfirmed, as discussions between the driver and Cadillac’s leadership continue. Both Towriss and Lowdon have praised Herta’s enthusiasm for learning and his humility despite his successes in IndyCar.
“From the first contact that I’ve had with Colton, one of the things that really impressed me was he has a humble approach. The best people at everything always have that humble approach because they have a belief in their ability – and that came across really strongly – but there’s no illusions as well.” —Graeme Lowdon, Cadillac Team Principal
The Cadillac Formula 1 organization has also noted that Herta’s American background plays a key role in their decision to support him, viewing his inclusion as an important step for American drivers aiming to enter Formula 1. Towriss remarked that the path from IndyCar through Formula 2 represents a unique but thoughtful approach for an American seeking to break into the European-dominated F1 environment.
Herta’s move is not only about racing in Formula 2 once the team is selected but also involves extensive simulator work and on-track tests with the Cadillac F1 team. This comprehensive development plan aims to prepare him thoroughly for the demands of Formula 1 competition.
Implications of Herta’s Transition for American Motorsport
Colton Herta’s progression into Formula 2 and his role as a test driver signify a potentially transformative moment for American drivers trying to establish themselves in Formula 1. By embracing the traditional European feeder system, Herta demonstrates a commitment to mastering the technical and tactical aspects of open-wheel racing at the highest levels.
This methodical approach, supported by Cadillac’s growing F1 program, could pave the way for future American talent considering similar steps toward F1. Herta’s journey will also provide valuable insights into how drivers from other series like IndyCar can successfully adapt to the unique demands of Formula racing circuits and vehicles.
As the 2026 season approaches, attention will turn to which Formula 2 team signs Herta and how he adapts to the series’ competitive environment. His performance in the coming years will be closely watched by fans and industry observers who see his Formula 2 move as a bold but necessary step toward fulfilling his goal of racing—and succeeding—in Formula 1.
