Colton Herta, former Andretti Global driver, is set to make his Formula 2 debut this weekend at the Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne, marking a significant step toward his ultimate goal of racing in Formula 1. The 25-year-old American, who transitioned from IndyCar after the 2025 season, has received a touching message from his father, Bryan Herta, as he embarks on this new chapter in his racing career. His father shared a supportive note on the social media platform X, expressing his unwavering encouragement despite being unable to attend due to his own IndyCar commitments in Phoenix.
Background on Colton Herta’s Transition from IndyCar to F2
At the conclusion of the 2025 IndyCar season, Colton Herta announced his departure from Andretti Global and IndyCar to join the Cadillac F1 program as a reserve driver, while simultaneously committing to a full 2026 season in the FIA Formula 2 Championship. It was confirmed that Herta would race under the Hitech GP team banner for the upcoming F2 campaign. Leading up to his debut, Herta completed several test sessions over recent months to familiarize himself with the new machinery and racing environment.
During this transition, Bryan Herta remained involved with Andretti Global’s IndyCar program and briefly contributed to his son’s #26 Honda IndyCar before Andretti decided to replace some engineers. Meanwhile, as Cadillac’s entry into Formula 1 secured approval from the FIA and Formula One Management, Herta was considered a top contender for a full-time seat. However, due to insufficient superlicence points, the team signed Sergio Perez and Valtteri Bottas for the 2026 season, with Colton assuming the role of reserve driver.
Supportive Message from Bryan Herta Ahead of Melbourne Debut
While Colton Herta shared video updates on social media showcasing the extensive preparations and anticipation for his F2 debut, his father Bryan conveyed his encouragement despite being physically absent. The heartfelt message read,
“I’ll be in Phoenix for @IndyCar @AndrettiIndy but my ❤️is in Melbourne, go get em pal”
This demonstrates the close bond between father and son as Colton takes on the challenge of moving into the highly competitive world of Formula 2 racing.
Colton Herta’s Ambitions for His First F2 Season
Having established himself as a title contender in IndyCar with a runner-up finish in the 2024 season, Herta enters the F2 arena with a determined mindset despite the new environment. Speaking about his goals, he emphasized his competitive spirit and realistic approach to the challenges ahead, stating,
“By no means do I think that we’re going to turn up and we’re going to win the first round and challenge right away. But I think the goal still is to win and be in a championship fight at the end of the year. If it’s not to do that, then you’re probably in the wrong sport.”
“So for me, that’s always the goal going into every year, whether how realistic or unrealistic people think it is, that’s the mindset that I have to bring into every season to really maximise myself,”
He will join fellow driver Ritoma Miyata as part of Hitech GP’s roster for the 2026 Formula 2 season.
The Path Forward: What Lies Ahead for Colton Herta
Colton Herta’s debut in the F2 championship represents a crucial phase in his progression toward Formula 1. To secure a superlicence and advance his career, he must perform strongly throughout the season and accumulate enough points to meet the licensing criteria. His commitment to this goal highlights the significance of his upcoming races and overall season performance. Meanwhile, Herta’s role as Cadillac’s F1 reserve driver keeps him closely connected to top-tier racing, offering valuable experience as he aims for a full-time F1 seat in the future.
I’ll be in Phoenix for @IndyCar @AndrettiIndy but my ❤️is in Melbourne, go get em pal https://t.co/uZ2dJvlx3J
— Bryan Herta (@BryanHerta) March 4, 2026
