Colton Herta is set to compete in Formula 2 with the Rodin team during the 2026 season as part of his pursuit of eligibility for Formula 1. This move aims to help the American driver secure the necessary FIA Superlicense points required to qualify for future F1 competition.
Herta, signed as the reserve and third driver for the upcoming Cadillac F1 Team behind Valtteri Bottas and Sergio Perez, must still meet the Superlicense requirements to be eligible to race in Formula 1. Currently, he holds only 36 points, while the minimum threshold to enter F1 is 40 points.
Path to Formula 1 through Formula 2 and Superlicense Points
To bridge this gap, Herta will compete in the Formula 2 championship, where finishing inside the top eight of the Drivers’ Championship will earn him at least four Superlicense points, reaching the mandatory 40-point quota. Alternatively, if he finishes ninth or tenth, he may still qualify by accumulating additional points from participating in Free Practice sessions with Cadillac next year, receiving one point per session.
Herta is expected to partner with Alex Dunne at Rodin in the 2026 F2 season. This strategic step will allow him to gain critical experience in the highly competitive environment of Formula 2, which serves as the primary feeder series for Formula 1.
Colton Herta’s Racing Credentials and IndyCar Success
Currently competing for Andretti Global in the IndyCar Series, Herta has built an impressive record with nine race wins, 16 pole positions, and 19 podium finishes in 116 races across more than eight years. His most recent victory came during the 2024 Music City Grand Prix in Nashville.
At 25 years old, Herta is presently sixth in the 2025 IndyCar Series standings with 352 points, trailing leader Alex Palou, who holds 670 points, followed by Pato O’Ward and Scott Dixon. This consistency in IndyCar highlights Herta’s talent as he prepares for the different challenges presented by Formula 2.
Colton Herta Expresses Enthusiasm for Joining Cadillac F1
After signing on as the Cadillac F1 Team’s reserve driver, Herta shared his excitement about the new opportunity. He described joining the team as a significant milestone in his long-held dream to race in Formula 1.
“I’m incredibly excited to join the Cadillac Formula 1 team as a test driver. It’s a dream opportunity, one I’ve been working toward for a long time. Joining Cadillac F1 at such a crucial time is something I couldn’t pass up.”
— Colton Herta, Test Driver
“My dream has always been to race in Formula 1, and I see this move as an important step toward achieving that goal. For now, my focus is on giving my all for Cadillac F1, helping build a competitive team.”
— Colton Herta, Test Driver
Future Prospects and Impact on Herta’s Career Trajectory
Herta’s plan to race in Formula 2 with Rodin in 2026 signifies a clear progression toward meeting F1’s eligibility standards while gaining vital racing experience in a highly competitive class. His integration into Cadillac’s Formula 1 program also positions him well to potentially transition into a full F1 race seat once he secures the necessary Superlicense points.
This approach reflects Cadillac’s commitment to developing American driving talent within international motorsport, supporting Herta’s aspirations while strengthening the team’s future lineup. As the 2026 season approaches, Herta’s performance in Formula 2 and continued involvement with Cadillac F1 will be closely watched by fans and industry insiders alike.
