F2 Showdown: Colton Herta Sparks Bidding War as He Joins Hitech TGR!
In a sensational twist that’s electrifying the motorsport community, Colton Herta, the American IndyCar sensation and nine-time race winner, has officially signed with Hitech TGR for the 2026 Formula 2 season. But this isn’t just any signing; it’s a move that has ignited a fierce competition among multiple F2 teams, as revealed by F2 CEO Bruno Michel in an exclusive interview.
Herta’s journey to F2 is unprecedented. While he boasts an impressive IndyCar pedigree, the 25-year-old has faced hurdles in securing the necessary FIA super licence points to step up to Formula 1. In a strategic maneuver, he’s downgraded to F2, the crucial feeder series that offers more opportunities to earn those elusive points. To reach the required 40 points, Herta needs to finish at least eighth in the F2 standings this season—a challenge that has become increasingly competitive.
The stakes are high, but the payoff could be monumental. Recent changes in the super licence points system mean that Herta would have also needed to finish eighth in IndyCar, making his decision to join F2 a tactical masterstroke. Not only does this provide him with vital experience on Pirelli tires—F1’s exclusive supplier—but it also puts him in closer proximity to the Formula 1 paddock, enhancing his visibility and prospects for a future full-time seat.
Herta’s arrival in F2 is being hailed as one of the biggest stories since the series was rebranded from GP2 in 2017. The interest surrounding him is palpable, and Michel noted that rival teams didn’t express any discontent over Herta’s entry. “I didn’t have any negative feedback from the teams,” Michel stated, highlighting the positive impact Herta will have on the series, especially in the American market where F2 is relatively unknown. “The presence of Colton is going to help,” he added, recognizing the potential for increased exposure in the U.S.
The competition for Herta was fierce, with several teams vying for his signature in what resembled a bidding war. “There was a bit of a fight between several teams before he decided to go with Hitech,” Michel disclosed. This excitement around Herta’s signing underscores the changing dynamics in F2, where experience levels vary significantly among drivers.
While Herta possesses a wealth of racing experience, he will face off against seasoned competitors like Jak Crawford, who is in his third season and is currently battling for the championship, alongside rookies such as Luke Browning and Leonardo Fornaroli. The contrast in experience is stark, with Richard Verschoor boasting a record 129 race starts, just a few months younger than Herta himself.
Bruno Michel is eager to see how this unique scenario unfolds as Colton Herta embarks on his F2 adventure. “I’m extremely interested to see how Colton is going to behave, because it’s something that is quite new for us as well,” he remarked.
As the F2 season kicks off, all eyes will undoubtedly be on Colton Herta—will he rise to the occasion and secure the points needed to launch his F1 aspirations, or will this bold step down prove to be a challenging endeavor? One thing is for certain: the motorsport world is buzzing, and the drama is just beginning!








