Colton Herta, a nine-time IndyCar winner and 2024 series runner-up, has committed to competing in Formula 2 for the upcoming season beginning in Australia, viewing this as his final opportunity to reach Formula 1. The 25-year-old American, who has experience as a development driver for McLaren and was previously considered by Racing Bulls and AlphaTauri, faces this pivotal challenge to secure an F1 race seat after FIA denied his super licence exemption.
In addition to his racing role with Hitech in Formula 2, Herta will serve as the test and reserve driver for Cadillac’s new Formula 1 project. Recognizing the stakes involved, he described this move as his last chance to achieve his F1 ambitions.
At the end of the day, it was my decision, and I saw it as my last opportunity to get to Formula 1,
Herta said.
I was super-grateful for it. There are plenty of series that I want to race in and compete in, but none that have the time constraints of Formula 1, so this really is probably my last shot of getting to it and I’m just very grateful for the opportunity with Cadillac.
Herta Sets High Personal Standards Amid Pressure to Perform
While Cadillac has set an objective for Herta to finish within the top ten of the Formula 2 championship, the driver himself remains ambitious about his potential to contend for titles. He admitted the pressure to succeed comes mostly from himself instead of external expectations.
I mean, for me, it’s simple. The pressure comes from myself for the most part; pressure to perform. I’m not really worried too much about the outside world or competitors and whatnot. The main thing is to focus on myself and do what I can. I set standards quite high for myself. If I can reach those or beat those, it’ll be a good year.
Herta explained that his driving philosophy has consistently been to aim for victories and podium finishes, which motivates his work ethic and determination.
Personally, it’s always worked in my career is that I expect myself to be good, I expect myself to be quick and contend for wins and podiums, and that’s always my goal when I get inside the race car. So, for me, nothing’s changed, but that’s kind of what drives me. That’s what gets the work ethic going, and that’s what I need to do.
Transitioning from IndyCar: A Major Shift for Herta
Unlike most of his Formula 2 competitors, who have advanced from lower formulas such as Formula 3, Herta’s background has been predominantly in IndyCar and, in the case of teammate Ritomo Miyata, Super Formula. He described adapting to the Formula 2 car as a significant challenge due to a completely different driving style compared to IndyCar.
Reflecting on his transition, Herta said he is starting to build confidence after several days of testing in Abu Dhabi and Barcelona but acknowledges there is still room for improvement.
How you find lap time in the car is almost a complete 180 to IndyCar and how you drive it, so I think there has been a big transition for me, and the driving style is quite different.
Obviously, we’re always trying to find lap time and to make ourselves better, but I think those are the fine points.
Looking Ahead: What This Means for Herta’s Career
Herta’s decision to move into Formula 2 marks a critical crossroads in his racing career, highlighting his intent to break into Formula 1 at the earliest possible opportunity. With the 2026 Formula 1 season opening in Australia, the pressure will intensify for him to showcase his talent and justify Cadillac’s investment in him as a reserve driver.
If successful, this path could set a precedent for drivers coming from American open-wheel series into the highest level of global motorsport. Meanwhile, Herta’s ambitious pursuit of championship contention in F2 could reshape perceptions about career routes and adaptability between racing disciplines.
Ultimately, this season will not only test Herta’s speed and adaptability but could also determine his long-term presence in Formula 1, making it an eventful and transformative phase for the American competitor.
