Colton Herta: The IndyCar Star’s Daring Leap into the Formula 2 Arena
In a move that has sent shockwaves through the motorsport world, Colton Herta is trading the high-speed oval tracks of IndyCar for the intense challenges of Formula 2, with his eyes firmly set on the coveted Formula 1 grid. This 25-year-old racing prodigy, a nine-time winner in IndyCar, is making waves as he embarks on this audacious journey, aiming to finally secure that elusive FIA super licence that stands between him and his F1 dream.
Bruno Michel, the CEO of Formula 2, is at the forefront of this thrilling narrative, shedding light on the unique advantages and the formidable challenges that Herta will face in this new chapter. Herta’s decision is not just a casual career move; it’s a strategic play in a game where the stakes have never been higher. After coming tantalizingly close to an F1 seat in 2022—only to be thwarted by the rigid super licence point system—Herta is now on a quest for redemption. With the FIA’s stringent requirements looming large, Herta’s route through F2 is both a necessity and a calculated risk.
What makes this situation even more compelling is the fact that under the newly adjusted IndyCar super licence points structure, Herta would have easily exceeded the required points, boasting a staggering 48 points that could have secured him a place on the F1 grid this year. However, reality has dictated a different path, leading him to the Formula 2 circuit, where he will be racing with Hitech TGR while also taking on a development driver role for the Cadillac F1 team—a dual challenge that adds layers to his already complex career.
The intrigue deepens with the presence of established drivers like Valtteri Bottas and Sergio Pérez, both of whom have committed to multi-year contracts with Cadillac. This scenario adds another layer of complexity to Herta’s ambitions, as he must navigate a competitive landscape where every point counts. In order to secure his super licence, he needs just six more points—equivalent to finishing eighth in the F2 championship. Sounds simple, right? Not so fast!
While Herta undoubtedly brings a wealth of experience, Michel emphasizes that the transition to F2 will not be a walk in the park. “The biggest hurdle will be adapting to the compressed and unforgiving structure of an F2 race weekend,” Michel asserts. Unlike the more forgiving schedules of IndyCar, F2 offers limited practice and testing time, which means Herta must quickly acclimate to the intensity and rapid-fire decisions that come with each race.
Moreover, the notorious Pirelli tyres—famed for their sensitivity—pose a significant challenge. Herta’s mastery of the track is not guaranteed, as he will be racing on unfamiliar circuits across Europe, where young talents from FIA F3 have the advantage of prior experience. Michel notes, “The strong drivers learn the tracks extremely fast,” but for Herta, this learning curve will be steep, requiring quick adaptation and strategic thinking.
With all these factors in play, Herta is poised to become one of the most fascinating stories of the 2026 racing season. As he embarks on this uphill battle, both fans and critics alike will be watching closely to see if this IndyCar superstar can turn the tide in his favour and finally claim a spot on the prestigious F1 grid. Will Colton Herta’s journey through the treacherous waters of Formula 2 lead him to the ultimate prize? Only time will tell, but one thing is for sure: the motorsport world is on the edge of its seat, waiting to see if this bold move pays off.
