Colton Herta's Unconventional Path to Formula 1

American racing star Colton Herta is embarking on a unique and self-described "bizarre" career pivot, leaving a successful IndyCar tenure to compete in Formula 2 at age 25 in a direct pursuit of a Formula 1 seat. The 2024 IndyCar runner-up will drive for Hitech in F2 while also serving as a test driver for the new Cadillac F1 team, aiming to accumulate the necessary FIA Super Licence points for a future grand prix drive.

Why it matters:

Herta's move represents a rare and high-stakes reversal of the traditional motorsport ladder. For a driver with his established record—nine IndyCar wins and a championship near-miss—to step down into a feeder series underscores the immense difficulty of breaking into F1 without a conventional European junior formula background. His success or failure could influence how other accomplished drivers from outside the F1 ecosystem view their own potential paths to the pinnacle of the sport.

The Details:

• Herta, 25, announced his F1 ambitions last year after seven seasons in IndyCar, where he was a consistent front-runner and race winner.
• The primary goal for his F2 campaign is to secure the 40 FIA Super Licence points required for an F1 drive, a hurdle that has blocked other talented IndyCar drivers in the past.
• His initial reaction to the F2 proposal was negative, viewing it as a step back for a professional. He credits discussions with his father, former racer and team owner Bryan Herta, for helping him see the strategic value.
• European Experience: Herta has some prior, albeit dated, experience racing in Europe during his junior career in series like British F3 with Carlin, which he believes provides a slight foundation.
• Key Challenges: He identifies adapting to the Pirelli tyres used in F2 and F1 as a significant and "tricky" learning curve, having never driven them before.
• Herta is unconcerned with external judgment on his path, stating his focus is solely on reaching F1 and that this move represents his "best shot" and willingness to "fight for it."

What's Next:

All eyes will be on Herta's adaptation to the F2 car, tyres, and circuits throughout the 2025 season. His performance will be the ultimate test of this unconventional strategy.

• A strong showing could fast-track him into a race seat with the Cadillac F1 project or put him in contention for other vacancies on the grid.
• Conversely, struggling in a series designed for younger prospects could dim his F1 prospects. His dual role as a Cadillac test driver, however, provides a crucial safety net and a direct link to an F1 operation, keeping his ultimate goal within reach regardless of his F2 results.