Colton Herta is preparing to make a significant impact in Formula 2 as part of Cadillac’s strategic push toward their Formula 1 program in 2026. The American driver’s results in F2 are expected to play a crucial role in determining his eventual promotion to the highest tier of motorsport.
Dan Towriss, CEO of Cadillac’s Formula 1 team, has set clear performance standards, emphasizing that a top-10 finish in the 2026 F2 championship would meet the organization’s expectations for Herta’s development. Currently assigned as a test driver for Cadillac, Herta has a potential F1 race seat within grasp contingent on his F2 performance.
Herta Joins Hitech GP to Adapt and Excel on European Circuits
Transitioning from IndyCar, where he has established himself as a rising talent, Herta will compete in Formula 2 with Hitech GP. His focus will be on mastering Europe’s demanding circuits and gaining experience with Pirelli tyres, a critical factor for success in Formula 1. On these goals, Towriss commented,
“Really, I’m looking for a top-10 finish from Colton in F2. Really, it’s [learning] tracks and tyres, and just his development to be ready for Formula 1.”
– Dan Towriss, Cadillac Formula 1 CEO
While reaching the top 10 is the minimum target, finishing in the top eight would automatically earn Herta the coveted FIA superlicence required for F1 competition. Finishing 10th or below still leaves a pathway open, provided Herta completes three FP1 sessions in Formula 1 to accumulate the points needed for superlicence eligibility.
Herta’s Ambition Drives Him to Pursue Victory, Not Just Participation
Herta has made no secret of his aspirations to compete at the front rather than merely participate. Speaking candidly about his mindset, he said,
“Everything that I hop into, I want to be competitive and I want to be strong,”
followed by,
“If the goal isn’t to win, then I don’t really see why you’d do it – so that’s my mindset. Either how unrealistic it is or how realistic it is, I don’t know. I guess time will have to tell.”
– Colton Herta, Driver
By skipping Formula 3, Herta is entering the notoriously tough F2 series directly, a challenge he acknowledges but does not shy away from. He added,
“For me, I want to be as quick as possible. I want to lead sessions, I want to win races. But I guess time will tell how difficult that is.”
– Colton Herta, Driver
Anticipation Builds Around Herta’s Formula 2 Debut and Cadillac’s F1 Aspirations
As the 2026 F2 season approaches, motorsport fans and analysts alike are closely watching Herta’s progression. His performance will be pivotal not only for his own career trajectory but also for Cadillac’s ambitions in Formula 1. The interplay between his skill development and results on Europe’s circuits will test whether Herta can meet the demanding standards set by his team.
If successful, Herta’s journey through F2 could mark the next step in American drivers racing consistently at the pinnacle of Grand Prix racing, whilst pushing Cadillac’s emerging Formula 1 program forward. The pressure is intense, and the stakes are high, but Herta’s determination signals he is ready to take on one of motorsport’s greatest challenges.
