Cadillac F1 Confirms Colton Herta's Shock Switch from IndyCar to F2

Cadillac F1 boss Dan Towriss confirms IndyCar star Colton Herta will leave his Andretti IndyCar seat to race in the FIA Formula 2 Championship in 2026. This daring move aims to secure a full-time Formula 1 seat with the American outfit.

Why it matters

Herta's shift to F2 is an unprecedented step for an IndyCar frontrunner, highlighting his determination to reach F1. A nine-time IndyCar winner and 2024 series runner-up, Herta has long been an F1 prospect but faced hurdles with the FIA's superlicence requirements. His F2 move, where top-three finishes yield sufficient points, is a strategic pathway to gain eligibility and experience.

The bold gamble

Towriss emphasized Herta's commitment to this high-risk endeavor. "He’s leaving IndyCar, he’s not going directly to Formula 1 – this is a test and development driver role – and so he’s going to be going into F2," Towriss stated. "He’s got to learn tracks, he’s got to learn tyres… I couldn’t be more proud of Colton, to be willing to take that risk to pursue his dream." Towriss underscored that an F1 seat must be earned, not guaranteed: "He’s going over to prove that he belongs in Formula 1."

Past F1 attempts

Herta previously came close to F1:

• In 2021, a Sauber simulator test showed him "faster than the two Formula 1 drivers with the team at that time," (referring to Kimi Räikkönen and Antonio Giovinazzi), per Towriss.
• Red Bull's bid to place Herta at AlphaTauri for 2022 was blocked by the FIA's superlicence refusal.

Cadillac's vision

Towriss views Herta as a top American candidate for Cadillac's F1 future. He cites Herta's high potential in F1-type cars, particularly on street and road courses, and his quick adaptability to new information as key reasons. Cadillac believes this unconventional F2 switch is the bold step Herta needs to bridge the gap from IndyCar to the pinnacle of motorsport.