Bearman: F1 Testing 'Far Better' Preparation for Herta's Grand Prix Goal

Herta's F1 Path Sparks Debate Among Drivers

Colton Herta, the highly-regarded IndyCar talent, is set to make his Formula 2 debut next season while also serving as a Cadillac test driver. This move has reignited discussions about the best pathway to Formula 1, with Haas driver Oliver Bearman offering a clear opinion: direct F1 testing is significantly better preparation than competing in F2.

Why it matters:

Herta has been a long-time F1 prospect, linked to McLaren and Red Bull in the past, but super license points issues thwarted previous attempts. His return to European racing and a direct F1 test role with Cadillac puts him firmly back in the spotlight, and the debate over his preparation method highlights the complexities American drivers face in securing an F1 seat.

The Details:

• Bearman's Stance: Initially surprised to learn Herta would race in F2, not just test, Bearman welcomed Herta's move to Europe. However, when asked about the optimal F1 preparation, Bearman stated unequivocally: "F1 testing, by far and away. No doubt about that."
• Norris's Endorsement: Lando Norris, who worked with Herta as a development driver at McLaren, praised the American's versatility. "He's good at jumping into all different types of cars... He's an extremely talented driver and a guy I enjoyed a lot growing up with... I think he's skilled enough to jump into anything and be quick."
• European Return: Herta's F2 campaign for 2026 marks his return to European single-seater racing. He previously competed in British F3 and Euroformula Open, securing third overall in the latter with four wins.
• Cadillac Role: Alongside his F2 commitments, Herta was announced as Cadillac's reserve driver for their F1 debut, with Valtteri Bottas and Sergio Perez confirmed as their main drivers.
• Past F1 Ambitions: Herta was a McLaren development driver in 2022 and garnered interest from Red Bull for AlphaTauri, but his lack of super license points proved to be a significant hurdle.

What's next:

All eyes will be on Herta's performance in F2 and his progress with Cadillac. His return to the European racing scene and continued pursuit of a super license could pave the way for a future F1 opportunity, particularly as the sport expands its presence in the United States.