Following his announcement as Cadillac’s first Formula 1 test driver, Colton Herta has made a decisive move by leaving IndyCar to compete in Formula 2 starting in 2026. This shift is aimed at helping him accumulate the necessary FIA Super Licence points to secure a seat on the Formula 1 grid, marking a major turning point in his racing career.
Herta, a standout talent in IndyCar with nine race wins, must now prove himself in Formula 2, as his IndyCar success alone has not earned him enough points for an F1 licence. By finishing in the top eight of the 2026 F2 championship, Herta hopes to earn the points required to realize his dream of becoming a Formula 1 driver.
Understanding the Challenges Behind Herta’s Switch to Formula 2
To compete in Formula 1, drivers are required to collect 40 points toward their FIA Super Licence. Although Herta has demonstrated skill in IndyCar, it has not translated into sufficient points for direct qualification. Moving to Formula 2 will provide him more opportunities to earn these points, with a top-eight finish in the season granting full eligibility.
In addition, Herta can accumulate up to 10 points through participation in F1 practice sessions (FP1), as every 100 kilometers driven in these sessions awards one point. Cadillac’s strategy to include Herta as a test driver could accelerate his points accumulation despite the challenges of the transition.
This bold career realignment shows Herta’s determination to make the jump into F1, yet the switch from IndyCar to Formula 2 entails significant adaptation. The driving style, car characteristics, and competitive environment differ greatly, presenting a steep learning curve.
Mixed Fan Reactions to Herta’s Formula 2 Ambitions
The motorsport community has expressed a range of opinions regarding Herta’s decision to move into Formula 2. Many acknowledge the difficulty of his journey, while some question his chances of ultimately securing a full-time Formula 1 seat.
Rob B respects Herta’s commitment but doubts his success in F1, stating,
“I think his odds of succeeding in F1 are slim, including if he does actually get an F1 seat at Cadillac eventually, but I admire his commitment and the chasing of his dreams. He’s 25 so he has time on his hands.”
—Rob B, Reader
Others, like Rafael Santos, emphasize the pressure Herta faces, noting,
“If he doesn’t win F2 title against young drivers it will be ugly. He has the obligation to destroy competition.”
—Rafael Santos, Reader
Kumba succinctly captured the stakes with,
“It seems to be a make it or break it for Herta.”
—Kumba, Reader
Meanwhile, veteran perspectives from Cadillac F1 CEO Dan Towriss highlight the adaptation challenge. Fan VanillaSludge S echoed this sentiment, saying,
This is going to be interesting. In theory he should do really well based on his level of maturity and skills shown. That said, Jimmie Johnson and Kyle Larson showed how hard it can be to switch up when you’re older.
—VanillaSludge S, Reader
Can Herta Secure a Cadillac F1 Seat Amid Strong Competition?
Even if Herta earns his FIA Super Licence points through Formula 2, questions remain about his prospects within the Cadillac F1 team. For the 2024 season, Cadillac has locked in experienced drivers Valtteri Bottas and Sergio Perez, who bring a combined 16 Grand Prix wins—10 by Bottas and six by Perez—to the team.
The presence of such accomplished drivers means Herta must outperform or await unexpected openings. Perez’s multi-year contract further complicates any immediate opportunity.
Reader Ste W raised a crucial point regarding timing and contracts:
“I’m curious as to the timeline here. Say Herta gets the necessary points in ‘26 through F2 and FP1 sessions, then what? Surely neither Bottas nor Checo would have accepted less than a full 2-year contract? Is Herta willing to wait till ‘27 for the Cadillac drive or is he hoping another seat opens up somewhere else on the grid?”
—Ste W, Reader
Finding an alternative F1 seat outside Cadillac will be difficult. While some rookies such as Gabriel Bortoleto, the 2023 F2 champion, have successfully been picked up by teams without direct affiliations, many F1 sides prefer to promote drivers from their established junior programs.
Bob Valente questioned Herta’s prospects without an F2 title:
“As a 9-time IndyCar winner if he doesn’t win the F2 championship why would anyone give him an F1 ride? All the top F2 teams have affiliations with F1 teams so it will be interesting to see where he gets a ride.”
—Bob Valente, Reader
The Stakes of Joining Formula 2: Teams and Competition
Formula 2 is a spec series, meaning all teams race with identical Dallara-built cars, making driver skill and team setup the primary differentiators. Currently, Leonardo Fornaroli and Invicta Racing lead the drivers’ and teams’ championships, while last year’s champion was Gabriel Bortoleto, also with Invicta.
Which F2 team Herta will join remains a subject of speculation among fans. Neil Ponders asked,
“The question is, which F2 team is he going to?”
—Neil Ponders, Reader
Rumors suggest he might sign with either Rodin or Prema, with Il Dottore commenting on Prema’s connections:
“Could be, Prema already has an Andretti backed driver in F4, and of course they’ll know each other from the IndyCar paddock.”
—Il Dottore, Reader
This F4 driver is 16-year-old Sebastian Wheldon, son of two-time Indy 500 winner Dan Wheldon who was tragically killed in 2011. Sebastian is currently performing well in the Italian F4 Championship, making this a symbolic connection for Herta to blaze a trail for American drivers striving for F1.
Adapting to Formula 2 Machinery Versus F1 and IndyCar Cars
Fans and experts alike note that adapting to an F2 car will pose unique challenges for Herta. Xmotor Motovation reflected on how F2 cars differ significantly from both IndyCar and F1 vehicles, saying,
“I’m looking forward to be following him in his F2 adventure next season. He’ll be older than most but won’t be the oldest either. The cars should seem light, under powered, and with low downforce. It’ll probably be more of a momentum style racing that rewards a smooth driving style. That is in contrast to his current car that can reward being tossed around. It’ll certainly be an adjustment from his IndyCar experience. F1 is probably more like his IndyCar than an F2 car so this will be a test of his adaptability.”
—Xmotor Motovation, Reader
Commentary also suggests that Herta’s move is more a matter of timing and experience. One reader added,
“I think he should have made this move after he was turned down for the Red Bull drive because he didn’t have enough points. I don’t think the time and experience since has improved him or his situation other than to convince him that F1 is something he really wants. And that determination is essential for him to succeed because this is not going to be an easy journey.”
Herta was linked to Red Bull’s second F1 team in 2023 but was denied due to insufficient Super Licence points. He was also widely discussed as a potential Sauber driver when Michael Andretti attempted a takeover, but that bid did not materialize.
Fan Doubts and Support Surrounding Herta’s Future in F1
While Herta’s ambition is applauded, some fans remain unconvinced that he is the American talent Formula 1 currently needs. DearLider expressed this skepticism, saying,
“I am rooting for an American to do well in F1. However, I am unconvinced Hertha is the one. He impressed initially in Indy but has been underwhelming for a while now. But again, betting on himself like that, I respect that.”
—DearLider, Reader
Despite doubts, the attention Herta’s move will bring to Formula 2 in 2026 is undeniable, likely attracting new viewers and raising the profile of the series as a stepping stone to Formula 1 for American drivers.
