Colton Herta: Formula 2 move "last chance for Formula 1"

(Motorsport-Total.com) - Colton Herta is making a surprise career move: The 25-year-old American will move to Formula 2 in 2026. The current IndyCar driver will be supported by Cadillac, which will field its own Formula 1 team starting in 2026. Herta is expected to be a potential regular driver in the junior series.

"Everyone has seen how close I've been to Formula 1 in the past," Herta said on the podcast Off Track with Hinch and Rossi . "I think this is my best chance to finally make it."

Herta has been one of the most successful drivers in the IndyCar Series for years. He celebrated his first victory at just 18 years old and has amassed a total of nine race wins. He finished third in the overall standings in 2020 and second in 2024. Nevertheless, he is now taking the risk of moving to a junior series to get closer to Formula 1.

This move carries risks, as the example of Ritomo Miyata demonstrates. The Japanese Toyota junior and 2023 Super GT and Super Formula champion ventured into Formula 2 in 2024, but has so far failed to impress. In his debut season, he finished only 19th in the overall standings, and things aren't going much better for him in 2025.

Herta is aware of the risks: "It was an incredibly difficult decision because I know exactly what I'm leaving behind in IndyCar. There, I have a great team, an extremely competitive series, and the chance to compete for wins every weekend. In Formula 1, you also need the right car. Nevertheless, I decided to take the risk."

Goal: F1 cockpit at Cadillac 2027

Herta's move is closely linked to his role at Cadillac. The US manufacturer will enter Formula 1 in 2026 and has already signed Herta as a test and development driver . With a strong Formula 2 season, he hopes to qualify for a potential regular seat. He will also have the opportunity to familiarize himself with many of the previously unfamiliar tracks in Europe and the Middle East.

The hurdle of the FIA ​​Super License should no longer be a factor. Herta currently has 34 points from previous IndyCar seasons and only needs a top-8 finish in Formula 2 to reach the required 40 points.

"As a racing driver, you're constantly betting on yourself," Herta explained. "I believe in myself and that I'm fast enough. Of course, it will be a lot of work to understand the difference between IndyCar and Formula 1, but I'm ready to give it my all."

Indy 500 remains an option

Although Herta is fully focused on Formula 2 in 2026, a one-off start at the Indy 500 could be possible. Since the race doesn't clash with the Formula 2 calendar, he doesn't rule out a guest appearance: "If it makes sense, I'm open to it, but it mustn't distract me from my main goal, which is to get into Formula 1 with Cadillac."

Herta believes a return to the IndyCar Series is likely in the long term: "This isn't a final farewell. I love IndyCar and definitely see myself racing there again at some point."