Colton Herta is entering a pivotal phase in his racing career as he prepares to compete in the 2026 Formula 2 season, aiming to advance toward a future in Formula 1. As part of Cadillac’s broader racing strategy, CEO Dan Towriss has established a goal for Herta to achieve a top 10 finish in the F2 championship, reflecting a cautious but clear benchmark for his debut season.
Herta’s involvement in F2 is part of a larger programme with Cadillac, which includes his role as an F1 reserve driver. This plan also features simulator work and potential participation in free practice sessions for Formula 1, supporting his development beyond the F2 races themselves.
Understanding the Ambition Behind the Top 10 Target
At first glance, setting a top 10 finish might seem like a conservative expectation for Herta, a multiple-time IndyCar race winner who has demonstrated significant talent on American circuits. However, this goal reflects the transitional and developmental nature of this season, as Herta shifts from IndyCar’s unique style to the distinct challenges of Formula 2.
Formula 2 holds a critical place on the ladder to Formula 1, offering the highest allocation of FIA Super Licence points among junior categories—more than IndyCar. A top-three finish in F2 grants the full 40 points needed immediately to qualify for an F1 Super Licence, an essential step for any driver aspiring to race at the highest level.
Despite Herta’s ambition to compete at the very top, Cadillac’s leadership favors a top 10 position as a realistic benchmark while he adapts to new teams, cars, tracks, and European racing culture.
A Career Shift Toward Formula 1
Herta’s move to Formula 2 marks a significant change in his career trajectory from his accomplishments in IndyCar, targeting a future that was previously hindered by missed opportunities in Formula 1. He was once linked to the now-defunct Sauber takeover attempt by Michael Andretti and was also considered by Red Bull for a seat at their junior team AlphaTauri, but lacked the required FIA Super Licence points at the time.
Now, racing in F2 gives Herta the chance to accumulate the necessary points and showcase his skills on a highly competitive European platform, which has seen stars like Mick Schumacher before him.
This season will also include Cadillac’s commitment to giving Herta experience in IMSA racing and active involvement in their Formula 1 simulator and FP1 sessions, expanding his familiarity with F1 machinery and track conditions.
I really am looking for a top 10 finish from Colton in F2,
Dan Towriss said.
Because, really, it’s about learning tracks and tyres and just, you know, his development to be ready for Formula 1.
He’ll be spending time on the F1 sim. So it’s not just what happens in F2. There’ll be FP1s that he’ll be involved with, as well as sim work. And so we’ll look at the total body of work to judge his readiness for Formula 1.
Challenges Herta Faces in Adapting to Formula 2
Though confident in Herta’s ability, the transition from IndyCar to Formula 2 comes with significant challenges. The racing style in Europe, the technical nuances of F2 cars, and the need to quickly learn a vast array of unfamiliar tracks will test his adaptability.
Herta raced in Formula 3 over ten years ago, but that experience holds limited relevance now given the evolution of these junior categories and his time away from European racing circuits.
The depth of competition in F2 in 2026 is expected to be stronger than ever, bringing together a particularly talented roster of drivers aiming for Formula 1. This intensifies the challenge but also offers the perfect proving ground for Herta’s ambitions.
Ambitions and Expectations Beyond the Top 10
Despite Cadillac’s cautious target, there is little doubt that Herta aims to compete for victories and even a championship title in Formula 2. A top 10 finish is a starting point set by the team to allow him to focus on acclimatization, but Herta’s career history and competitive nature suggest he will push hard for higher results.
Success in Formula 2 will be a critical step in validating his readiness for Formula 1 and may influence the timeline of his potential promotion to a race seat in the top category of motorsport.
His Californian roots and extensive racing experience provide a unique backdrop as he navigates this new chapter under the Cadillac banner, a team increasingly focused on shaping the next generation of Formula 1 drivers.
