Colton Herta, formerly with Andretti Global, has begun a new chapter in his racing career by joining the F2 championship for the 2026 season, with the goal of securing a superlicence and stepping toward Formula One. Herta’s F2 debut – a high-pressure transition from IndyCar and a significant moment for American motorsport – is already drawing high expectations for both himself and his team, Hitech GP, following a demanding initial test.
Herta’s Transition from IndyCar to F2
After completing his final IndyCar season in 2025, Colton Herta agreed to join Cadillac F1 as a reserve driver, confirming a parallel full-time campaign in F2. The move aimed to ensure he gained enough points for a superlicence, a necessary step for an eventual F1 seat. Hitech GP, recently announced as the American F2 entry, quickly welcomed Herta on board, underlining the importance of his development in European open-wheel racing circuits.
First Outing at Yas Marina Brings Challenges
Herta’s first real test came at the Yas Marina Circuit in Abu Dhabi, held just after the conclusion of the 2025 F1 season. There, he drove in the official post-season F2 test, adapting to both the series’ unique cars and the notoriously temperamental Pirelli tires. Over three days, Herta clocked an impressive 280 laps, but faced difficulties with pace, never finishing inside the top 10, and recording his best position at P11. The primary goal, for both Herta and his team, was gaining experience and understanding the new machinery rather than immediate results.
Team Management Shows Support for Herta’s Growth
Clive Hatton, Team Manager at Hitech GP, offered a publicly optimistic view regarding the team’s new lineup, which pairs Herta with Ritomo, an experienced F2 campaigner. Hatton acknowledged that the move is a substantial adjustment for Herta, especially after years racing in America, but voiced faith in his ability to adapt quickly and thrive.
“We’re excited to start working with them both. Ritomo has done two seasons already, so he’ll bring a good bit of experience, and we’re excited to see how he goes in our car. Colton – a lot will be new to him. It’s been a while since he’s raced in Europe and outside of American tracks but I’m sure he’ll get the hang of it pretty quick, and we’re excited to see how he’ll get on.” — Clive Hatton, Team Manager
Colton Herta Reflects on His Learning Curve
Throughout the Abu Dhabi post-season test, observers highlighted how the Pirelli tires’ learning curve could prove decisive in Herta’s development as a contender. At the midway stage, Herta shared honest thoughts about his level of comfort and the importance of this experience to his transition. His own words suggest humility in facing a steep learning curve, balanced by enthusiasm and determination to improve.
“It was all about getting comfortable, and I am still pretty far from being super comfortable in the car. It’s good first steps, it’s such an important three days for us, it’s important to maximize everything that we do here. It’s fun to be here, fun to be in a car in the offseason, and I am looking forward to the next two days.” — Colton Herta, Driver
American Hopes and Series Impact
Pato O’Ward, balancing McLaren F1 reserve duties and his responsibilities with Arrow McLaren in IndyCar, remarked that Herta’s performance in F2 is a source of pride for American open-wheel racers and seen as a potential boost for the series’ international reputation. Herta’s ability to secure success on unfamiliar circuits, with different teams and technical demands, will be watched closely by fans and teams alike.
Looking Ahead to 2026
As the 2026 F2 season draws nearer, the motorsport world’s eyes will be on Colton Herta and Hitech GP to see how quickly the American driver adapts and whether his F2 campaign leads to that elusive superlicence. The upcoming season is pivotal not just for Herta’s career but also for American representation in global single-seater racing. The outcome at Yas Marina confirmed that while challenges await, both Herta and his team remain confident and motivated for what lies ahead. For now, the Colton Herta F2 debut is marked by determination, adaptation, and the drive to reach new heights in Formula racing.
