Colton Herta's F2 Switch: Bold Move or Risky Bet for F1 Dream?

Colton Herta, Cadillac's new Formula 1 test driver, is reportedly set to leave IndyCar for a Formula 2 campaign next year. This move is aimed at securing the necessary F1 superlicence points – he's currently four short – and gaining crucial experience on the F1 support bill, all part of his ultimate goal to race in F1 with Cadillac.

Why it matters

This is a rare and high-stakes gamble. For a top IndyCar driver to switch to F2 solely for F1 aspirations underscores the intense allure of Formula 1. However, experts are divided on whether this is a shrewd strategic play or a potentially career-derailing detour.

The big picture

Our team weighs in on Herta's chances:

• Too late for top F1? Jack Benyon questions the timing. Herta would be nearly 28 at his F1 debut in 2028, potentially too old for top teams to consider long-term. F2 is also notoriously tough, and a struggle could damage his reputation.
• Total commitment to Cadillac: Jon Noble sees Herta going "all in." By immersing himself in the F1 ecosystem, including FP1 sessions and learning F1 tracks and Pirelli tires, Herta demonstrates unmatched dedication to Cadillac's American F1 project, which is more valuable than winning races thousands of miles away.
• Valuable preparation: Matt Beer, initially skeptical, now finds logic. Struggling in F2, coupled with extensive F1 prep and simulator work, is preferable to a direct, unprepared leap into F1. Herta's inherent talent (an IndyCar winner at 18) suggests success is about preparation.
• F1's undeniable allure: Josh Suttill emphasizes that F1's prestige often justifies significant career risks. Many drivers have sacrificed established careers for even a long-shot F1 opportunity, and Herta’s reputational risk in a tough series like F2 is worth taking for his F1 dream.
• Unfinished IndyCar business: Val Khorounzhiy notes that unlike 알렉스 팔로우, Herta hasn't "completed" IndyCar, meaning he hasn't won titles consistently. While the F1 superlicence hurdle is "dumb," Herta is starting almost from scratch without fully achieving his potential in IndyCar, where championship glory seemed more attainable.

What's next

Herta's move will be one of the most compelling storylines to watch in motorsport. Success in F2 could pave his way to F1, but failure could leave him in a challenging position, having left a prime IndyCar seat behind.