Colton Herta has long been viewed as a rising star from the United States with the potential to break into Formula One, supported by figures like Michael and Mario Andretti during Cadillac’s program push. However, the 25-year-old driver still faces a significant obstacle: securing the Super Licence required to compete in F1. Currently sixth in the 2024 IndyCar Series standings, Herta cannot overtake Christian Lundgaard to reach the necessary 40-point threshold before the season’s final race.
Cadillac has already confirmed its driver lineup for 2026, which includes Valtteri Bottas and Sergio Perez, meaning any opportunity for Herta to enter Formula One would likely be delayed until 2027 at the earliest.
Speculation Builds Around Herta’s Possible Shift to Formula 2
Recent discussions around the latest IndyCar event in Milwaukee have raised the possibility that Herta may transition to Formula 2. This move would place him on a predominantly European racing calendar, offering the chance to earn the points needed for an eventual step up to Formula One. Such a shift could also serve as a preparatory year before a potential F1 debut in 2027.
Herta’s potential departure from the Andretti Global IndyCar team could create an opening that some believe may be filled by fellow Australian driver Will Power. Power’s situation remains uncertain as he faces the prospect of not being retained by Team Penske beyond 2025, with David Malukas emerging as a frontrunner for that seat.
Will Power’s Position and Future Negotiations
Will Power, an established figure in IndyCar, is set to become a free agent on September 1, after the season finale at Nashville Superspeedway. This timing will allow him to start discussions with other teams regarding his future. The ongoing speculation around his status reflects the broader uncertainty within IndyCar’s driver market for the upcoming seasons.
Responses to Rumors and the Road Ahead
When asked about the rumors linking him to Formula 2, Herta neither confirmed nor denied them.
Oh boy, I don’t really have any comments for any of that stuff, to be honest,
he told The Associated Press.
Dan Towriss, who oversees the Cadillac F1 and Andretti Global teams as head of their ownership group, also refrained from confirming these reports.
That’s not what we’re reporting today,
Towriss said when questioned about Herta’s potential move to Formula 2.
The IndyCar season will conclude on September 1 at Nashville Superspeedway, with drivers and teams facing crucial decisions about their futures in the sport.
