Colton Herta to Join Hitech GP in F2 for 2026, Retaining Cadillac F1 Test Driver Role

Colton Herta, a former IndyCar standout, will compete for Hitech GP in the 2026 FIA Formula 2 Championship, an announcement made by the Cadillac F1 team. This move is a crucial part of his development program, designed to immerse him in European single-seater racing while he continues his duties as a Cadillac F1 test driver.

Why it matters:

Colton Herta's transition to Formula 2 is a significant step in his pathway towards Formula 1, especially as Cadillac F1 prepares for its debut. This strategic placement allows Herta to gain invaluable experience in the F1 feeder series, competing directly against the world's best young talents on the same weekends as Grand Prix events. His continued role as a test driver ensures close integration with Cadillac's F1 program, providing both data for the team and further development for Herta in the F1 environment.

The details:

• F2 Debut: Herta will make his Formula 2 debut in 2026 with the British team Hitech GP, a team known for fielding strong young drivers in junior categories.
• Dual Role: The 25-year-old will maintain his position as a Cadillac F1 test driver alongside his Formula 2 commitments, highlighting a clear development path.
• IndyCar Background: Herta brings a wealth of experience from his eight-year stint in IndyCar, where he secured nine race victories.
• Team Integration: Cadillac F1 CEO Dan Towriss emphasized that competing in F2 will strengthen Herta's racecraft in a European setting and allow for greater integration with the F1 team, particularly through testing and simulator duties.
• Hitech's Current Lineup: Hitech GP currently fields Luke Browning and Dino Beganovic in its Formula 2 lineup, showcasing a competitive environment for Herta to join.

Between the lines:

Cadillac's decision to place Herta in Formula 2, rather than exclusively relying on his IndyCar background or simulator work, underscores the growing importance of a direct pathway through European junior formulas for F1 aspirations. This move provides Herta with the specific racecraft and environmental familiarity deemed essential for success at the pinnacle of motorsport, while also demonstrating Cadillac's commitment to nurturing talent within their F1 project. It's a calculated risk and investment, aiming to mold Herta into a future F1 contender directly within the F1 ecosystem.

What's next:

Herta expressed excitement about the challenge, viewing it as a prime opportunity to measure his skills against top young drivers and gain firsthand experience of the F1 environment. Cadillac's management, including CEO Dan Towriss, praised Herta's talent and expressed confidence in his success in Formula 2, anticipating his continued growth within the Cadillac F1 family.