Colton Herta Calls Maiden F2 Season 'Eye-Opening' Amid Cadillac F1 Prep

Colton Herta's transition from IndyCar to Formula 2 has proven more difficult than anticipated, with the American calling his rookie season "eye-opening" as he adapts to life on the European single-seater ladder. Competing for Hitech while serving as Cadillac's F1 test and development driver, Herta is enduring a steep learning curve in a programme designed to prepare him for a race seat with the American manufacturer's fledgling grand prix operation.

Why it matters:

Cadillac is counting on Herta to eventually anchor its F1 lineup, making his acclimatization to F2 a critical step in the team's long-term plans. The American manufacturer needs a driver embedded in its ecosystem, but Herta must first prove he can master the nuances of European open-wheel racing before stepping up to the pinnacle of motorsport.

The details:

• Herta sits 16th in the F2 standings with 26 points, having failed to score a podium or victory during his rookie campaign. Qualifying has been a persistent weakness throughout the year.
• The switch from Firestone rubber in IndyCar to Pirelli tyres has been his biggest hurdle. He pointed specifically to the challenge of managing the tyres from cold without blankets, a standard F2 practice that differs sharply from his previous experience.
• Despite the struggles, Herta sees the hardship as valuable preparation. He noted that learning to bring tyres up to temperature from a cold start will make the transition to F1—where tyre blankets remain standard—more manageable by comparison.

What's next:

Herta's programme includes FP1 outings and extensive simulator work alongside his F2 commitments as Cadillac navigates its debut F1 season. While his statistics remain modest, the team is monitoring his adaptation closely. If he can unlock consistent qualifying form and refine his tyre management, he remains a strong candidate for a place in Cadillac's full-time lineup.