Colton Herta's F2 Switch: A Courageous, Tricky Path to F1

IndyCar star Colton Herta is making a "courageous" but "very difficult" switch to Formula 2 in 2026, leaving his Andretti seat behind in pursuit of a Formula 1 drive with Cadillac. Despite Herta's proven track record as a top IndyCar driver, this move is seen by racing contemporaries as a significant challenge.

Why it Matters:

Herta's unexpected move highlights the rigorous path to F1, even for established talents. His ambition to join the grid with Cadillac underscores the high stakes and the unique demands of the F1 feeder series, F2.

The Challenge Ahead: Expert Opinions

F2 championship leader Leonardo Fornaroli calls it "a great challenge for him to adapt to a completely different car, also on tracks that he's probably never driven."

Red Bull junior Arvid Lindblad describes Herta's decision as "amazing for motorsport" but notes:

• There's no direct link between the IndyCar and F1 development ladder.
• He'll face all-new tracks and a car significantly different from an IndyCar.
• The step will be "difficult," despite Herta's high regard in the US.

AIX Racing driver Joshua Dürksen welcomes the move, stating it will provide "a great comparison...to see what an IndyCar driver can do in F2" and offers a learning opportunity for current F2 drivers, acknowledging the "very different car" and "environment."

Lando Norris's Perspective

McLaren's Lando Norris, a former teammate of Herta, rates him highly and believes he has the versatility to succeed. "He's skilled enough to jump in anything and be quick," Norris stated. He emphasized that the real difficulty lies not in adapting to F2, but in becoming "one of the best in Formula 1."

The Biggest Hurdle: Pirelli Tyres

Beyond unfamiliar circuits, Herta's most significant challenge will be mastering the capricious Pirelli tyres used in F2. Unlike IndyCar's Firestone tyres, which allow for extended pushing, Pirelli demands a precise single push lap for optimal performance.

Haas F1 driver Ollie Bearman, an F2 veteran, highlighted the difference:

• IndyCar racing often involves extended pushing.
• European junior formulas teach drivers to execute a single push lap and then cool tyres.
• Adapting to extracting maximum performance from a single lap requires a different rhythm.

Superlicence Points and Fierce Competition

Herta will enter F2 with 35 Superlicence points, needing 40 to qualify for F1. A strong F2 season, placing in the top 10, would significantly boost his tally.

However, F2 is notoriously competitive. Many accomplished drivers have struggled to break into the top 10:

• Dennis Hauger (2025 Indy NXT champion) - 11th in F2 (2024*)
• Ollie Bearman (Haas F1 driver) - 12th in F2 (2024*)
• Isack Hadjar (Racing Bulls F1 driver) - 14th in F2 (2023)
• Arthur Leclerc (Ferrari F1 test driver) - 15th in F2 (2023)
• Marcus Armstrong (IndyCar podium finisher) - 13th in F2 (x3)
• Mick Schumacher (Haas F1 driver 2021-22) - 12th in F2 (2019)

(*missed rounds)

Cadillac's backing will allow them to look beyond immediate F2 results. Furthermore, an extensive F1 testing program with Cadillac will provide a crucial evaluation of Herta's F1 credentials, potentially outweighing his F2 performance if Superlicence points can be managed through other means. Bearman explicitly stated, "F1 testing, by far and away," is more important than the F2 program for an F1 seat.

Where Herta Might End Up

Herta has expressed relief at making his F2 switch public. The battle for top F2 seats is intense. Reports suggest he is most likely to sign with Rodin, a team with some historical links to Herta's junior career (Carlin). Hitech and Prema Racing are also emerging as outside contenders, with a final decision expected soon.