Colton Herta: Racing’s Prodigy Returns to School in F2!
In a thrilling twist that has the motorsport world buzzing, Colton Herta, the American racing sensation, has just announced his ambitious leap into the fiercely competitive realm of Formula 2. Describing this bold move as a “return to school,” Herta is set to dive deep into the fundamentals of racing, transitioning from the high-octane IndyCar series to a completely different animal that demands not just skill, but a profound adaptability to new technologies and driving styles.
With nine victories and 19 podium finishes over eight seasons in IndyCar, Herta has made waves, but now he’s setting his sights on the ultimate prize: a coveted seat in Formula 1. To secure the crucial superlicense points needed for this dream, he’s joined the Hitech team for the 2026 season in F2—a decision that echoes the challenging reality faced by many seasoned drivers. Take, for instance, Ritomo Miyata, a dual champion in Japan’s Super Formula and Super GT, who found the transition to F2 daunting, capturing just a single podium in nearly two seasons.
Speaking in an exclusive interview with fellow racer James Hinchcliffe in Las Vegas, Herta opened up about the daunting yet exhilarating journey ahead. “It’s like going back to school, re-learning all the basics,” he confessed. Despite the apparent similarities in single-seater cars, the nuances of driving in F2 are worlds apart. The Pirelli tires, for example, require a completely different approach compared to the Firestone tires he’s accustomed to from his IndyCar days. Herta is preparing himself for an intense period of adjustment, as he will have to master the art of braking, the delicate dance of transitioning from brake to throttle, and the intricate management of tire performance.
What’s more, Herta believes that part of this journey will involve revisiting the lessons learned during his earlier days in Formula 3 and Formula 4. “There’s a lot of new things for me next year, but there’s also much I remember from my F3 and F4 days,” he stated, brimming with excitement. “It’s going to be thrilling. This is a significant program.”
As he gears up for this fresh chapter, Herta’s determination is palpable. He is not just racing against time but is on a mission to reignite his ambitions for Formula 1. With such a seasoned driver stepping into the ring, the 2026 F2 season is poised to be nothing short of electrifying. Buckle up, because Colton Herta’s journey back to the fundamentals of racing could very well lead him to the pinnacle of motorsport glory!
