Colton Herta’s Transition to Formula 2: A New Challenge Ahead

Colton Herta, a prominent figure in IndyCar racing, is gearing up for a significant transition as he prepares to enter Formula 2, the renowned feeder series for Formula 1, in 2026. Herta, who finished as the runner-up in the 2024 IndyCar season, has recently been signed on by Cadillac, the newest entrant in the F1 landscape, to take on the role of a test driver. As Cadillac gets ready to make its debut in the Formula 1 championship in 2026, Herta’s move to Formula 2 is a strategic step towards potentially securing a seat in the prestigious F1 series.

Aiming for the Top

Cadillac, aiming to cultivate American talent in motorsport, has chosen veterans Sergio Perez and Valtteri Bottas as their race drivers for the upcoming season. By bringing Herta on board, they hope to develop a strong pipeline of skilled American drivers who can compete at the highest level. Herta has been with Andretti Autosport in IndyCar since 2020 and finished seventh in the 2025 standings, showcasing his ability to compete among the best.

Despite his previous experience racing in the British Formula 4 championship and the Euroformula Open, Herta’s career has predominantly unfolded on American soil. His upcoming challenge in Formula 2 is designed to prepare him for the rigors of Formula 1 competition. To qualify for a superlicence, drivers need to secure at least eighth place in the championship, but to make a compelling case for a seat with Cadillac, Herta will likely need to achieve even more.

The Challenge of Formula 2

Formula 2 is well-known for its competitive nature and the steep learning curve it presents to new drivers. Herta is fully aware of the challenges he will face as he joins this elite level of racing. Having seen how other drivers, such as Super Formula champion Ritomo Miyata, have struggled to adapt to the series, Herta understands that the transition won’t be easy. The complexities of managing the Pirelli tires and the overall competitiveness of the field mean that he will have to hit the ground running.

In an interview with Formula 2’s official platform, Herta expressed his determination to be competitive right from the start. "The main thing is whenever I am in the race car, I want to be competitive," he stated. He emphasized the importance of setting realistic expectations, acknowledging that despite his experience, he may not immediately match the pace of his competitors.

"It would be foolish to sit here and think that I will be on the pace right away," he continued. Herta recognizes that, although he may be older than some of his competitors, they are all incredibly fast and capable. His approach reflects a blend of ambition and a realistic understanding of the challenges ahead.

Learning and Adapting

Herta’s commitment to learning is evident in his proactive approach to preparing for the Formula 2 series. Recently, he had the opportunity to test a previous-generation F2 car on a wet track at Monza. This experience is invaluable as it allows him to acclimate to the car’s handling and performance characteristics, which are quite different from what he has experienced in IndyCar.

Additionally, Herta has reached out to former F2 graduates who are now racing in IndyCar. While he didn’t disclose specific names, it’s clear that he values the insights and advice of those who have navigated similar transitions. These conversations serve as a foundation for understanding the differences he will encounter and how best to prepare himself for the racing challenges that lie ahead.

"It’s good conversations to have," Herta explained. "Just to understand that it is going to be different for me coming over for a whole bunch of reasons." His focus remains on honing his skills in the race car, as he recognizes that this is where he will make the most significant strides in his performance.

Joining Hitech GP

For his upcoming venture in Formula 2, Herta will be driving for Hitech GP, a team that has established itself as a consistent contender since entering the series in 2020. Hitech has proven its mettle by securing strong results and is currently in the running for this year’s teams’ championship, thanks to the impressive performances of drivers like Luke Browning and Dino Beganovic.

When discussing his choice of team, Herta emphasized the importance of results in his decision-making process. "I think when we were looking at teams, myself and also with Cadillac, the biggest thing is it had to be results-driven," he noted. Hitech’s track record of success in both Formula 2 and other feeder series, such as Formula 3 and Formula 4, made it an appealing choice for Herta.

After engaging in discussions with Hitech’s management and getting to know the team, Herta felt confident in his decision. "It was really simple to see that this is a professional organization, and one that I feel will best prepare me to be ready for Formula 1," he said. This sentiment underscores his commitment to making the most of his time in Formula 2 as he sets his sights on the ultimate goal of racing in Formula 1.

The Road Ahead

As Colton Herta prepares for his debut in Formula 2, the journey ahead promises to be filled with challenges and opportunities for growth. The transition from IndyCar to Formula 2 is a significant step, but Herta’s experience in the highly competitive world of American open-wheel racing will serve him well.

His determination to be competitive and his willingness to learn will be crucial as he navigates the complexities of the Formula 2 series. With the support of Cadillac and the Hitech GP team, Herta is poised to make a name for himself in this new chapter of his racing career.

As he embarks on this journey, fans and enthusiasts alike will be watching closely to see how Herta adapts and thrives in the high-stakes environment of Formula 2. Whether he can successfully position himself for a future in Formula 1 remains to be seen, but his commitment and talent suggest that he will be a driver to watch in the coming years.