Colton Herta Secures 2026 F2 Deal with Hitech, Eyes F1 Future

Colton Herta, a prominent IndyCar driver, has officially signed a deal to compete with Hitech in the 2026 FIA Formula 2 Championship. This significant career move for the 25-year-old comes as he also takes on a test and reserve driver role for the incoming Cadillac Formula 1 team, signaling a clear strategic shift towards a potential F1 future.

Why it matters:

Herta's transition from seven successful seasons in IndyCar to Europe-based F2 is a calculated step to secure an F1 opportunity. After previous attempts to join F1 fell through due to Super Licence restrictions, this move is designed to integrate him into the European racing environment, gain crucial Super Licence points, and align him directly with Cadillac's F1 aspirations, putting him in a prime position for a 2026 or later F1 seat.

The Details:

• Strategic Career Shift: Herta is leaving IndyCar, where he achieved nine victories, 19 podiums, and 16 pole positions since 2018, to compete full-time in F2.
• F1 Ambitions: This move is directly linked to his long-standing goal of entering Formula 1. He previously came close to securing seats with Alfa Romeo in 2022 and had discussions with AlphaTauri following a McLaren test, which ultimately failed due to Super Licence points.
• Cadillac Connection: Herta was recently announced as a test and reserve driver for the Cadillac F1 team, set to join the grid in 2026. His F2 participation will allow him to gain European circuit experience and accumulate the necessary FIA Super Licence points.
• Dual Role: He will balance his F2 racing commitments with his Cadillac F1 duties, including testing and simulator work, ensuring continuous integration with the F1 program.
• Hitech's Role: Hitech is currently second in the F2 teams' championship and has a strong track record of nurturing talent, including Liam Lawson, Isack Hadjar, and Nikita Mazepin, making it an ideal environment for Herta's development.
  • Team Manager Clive Hatton expressed enthusiasm for helping Herta transition, noting his determination and clear goal of progressing to F1.

What's next:

The 2026 F2 season is set to kick off in Melbourne during the Australian Grand Prix weekend in March. Herta's performance in F2 will be under intense scrutiny as he aims to prove his capabilities on the European stage, accrue Super Licence points, and ultimately position himself for a full-time F1 drive with Cadillac or another team. His success in adapting to the new car, tires, and tracks will be crucial in realizing his ultimate F1 ambition.