Colton Herta Confirms Hitech F2 Move for 2026

IndyCar race winner and new Cadillac Formula 1 test driver Colton Herta will officially join Hitech for the 2026 Formula 2 season. This move is a critical step in Herta's ambition to transition from IndyCar to a potential F1 race seat with the Cadillac team, providing him with essential European racing experience and integration into the F1 paddock.

Why it matters:

Colton Herta's commitment to competing in Formula 2 demonstrates a serious and strategic approach to his Formula 1 aspirations. Immersion in the European racing scene, exposure to F1 weekends, and experience with Pirelli tires are crucial elements for an American driver aiming to secure a coveted F1 seat, especially as Cadillac prepares for its F1 entry.

The details:

• Team Confirmed: Herta will race with Hitech in the 2026 F2 season, following months of discussions with various F2 teams.
• Dual Role: He will combine his F2 racing duties with his current role as a Cadillac F1 test driver, which includes simulator work and potential FP1 outings at Grand Prix events.
• Skill Development: Herta emphasized that F2 offers an "amazing opportunity to develop my skills in European racing and to measure myself against some of the best young drivers in the world."
• F1 Integration: Racing on F1 weekends will provide "first-hand experience of that environment and help me grow as part of the Cadillac F1 family," he stated.
• Cadillac's Support: Cadillac CEO Dan Towriss highlighted the importance of Herta's willingness to tackle the F2 challenge, believing it will strengthen his race craft in a European setting and foster greater integration with the team.
• Previous European Experience: This isn't Herta's first venture into European motorsport. He has previously won races in British F4 (then MSA Formula) in 2015, Euroformula Open in 2016, and BRDC British F3 (now GB3) also in 2016.

What's next:

Herta's performance in F2 will be closely watched as a gauge of his adaptability and potential for Formula 1. Success in the competitive F2 environment, combined with his test driver responsibilities, will be pivotal in paving his path towards a full-time F1 race seat with Cadillac. This move signals a strong commitment from both Herta and Cadillac to a future in the pinnacle of motorsport.