Colton Herta Dives into the Unknown: Shocking Move from IndyCar to Formula 2!
In a twist that has sent shockwaves through the motorsport community, nine-time IndyCar race victor Colton Herta is making an audacious leap from IndyCar to Formula 2 in 2026! This unexpected transition was announced by Cadillac Formula 1 team CEO Dan Towriss, igniting discussions about Herta’s future in the fast-paced world of Formula 1.
Cadillac, gearing up for its inaugural season in the F1 championship, has already secured F1 stalwarts Sergio Perez and Valtteri Bottas as race drivers. Now, with Herta stepping into the role of test and development driver, the American automotive giant is laying the groundwork to nurture homegrown talent in the international racing arena.
But the headline-grabbing news is undoubtedly Herta’s unprecedented switch to F2, a bold move rarely seen from a top IndyCar driver in today’s racing landscape. The 2024 IndyCar runner-up is diving back into the junior single-seater circuit to hone his skills in preparation for a potential F1 debut in 2027.
“We’ve been lucky to keep Colton at Andretti in the IndyCar team, and now he’s chasing that dream in Formula 1,” Towriss shared on the Off Track with Hinch and Rossi podcast. “This is a big risk. He’s not jumping straight to F1; he’s going into F2 to learn the tracks and the tyres, which are vastly different from IndyCar. I couldn’t be prouder of Colton for taking this bold step.”
Is there a genuine path for Herta to snag a coveted seat with Cadillac F1 in 2027? “I’m confident Colton will get his shot, but he’s got to earn it,” Towriss emphasized. “He’s taking that risk. People should admire Colton for this daring move. He’s not entitled to the seat; he has to prove he belongs in Formula 1.”
What’s even more impressive is Herta’s willingness to step out of his comfort zone. “The easiest choice for him would have been to stay in IndyCar, where he’s well-compensated, and pursue his next achievement from there,” Towriss noted. “Instead, he opted for the unconventional route, braving new challenges that will undoubtedly foster his growth.”
At just 25 years old, Herta has flirted with F1 opportunities in the past, most notably when Andretti attempted to acquire the Sauber team in 2021. “He went to Switzerland, jumped into the simulator, and within an hour, he was faster than both F1 drivers at that time,” Towriss recounted, referring to 2007 world champion Kimi Raikkonen and Antonio Giovinazzi. Sadly, that deal collapsed due to control issues during negotiations, as revealed by Michael Andretti.
Despite multiple tests, including a two-day stint with McLaren and interest from Red Bull, Herta faced hurdles in securing a superlicense, which stymied his F1 ambitions. However, his extensive experience has made him a standout candidate for Cadillac’s future plans.
“Colton has developed a strong foundation that many in F1 may not fully recognize, given the various tests he’s completed, even catching the eye of Red Bull along the way,” Towriss asserted. “He has displayed remarkable potential in a Formula 1-type car, excelling in high-commitment corners and street circuits—his nine IndyCar victories attest to that.”
“Colton also adapts to new information with incredible speed, and his driving style incorporates complex maneuvers that will prove critical in F1,” Towriss added. “All of these skills will be essential as he embarks on this thrilling journey.”
As Herta gears up for this exciting chapter in his career, motorsport enthusiasts can only watch and wait to see how this remarkable story unfolds. Will he conquer the challenges of Formula 2 and pave his way to F1 glory? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: Colton Herta is a name to watch as he takes the motorsport world by storm!