F2 CEO Bruno Michel Addresses Colton Herta's Challenging Rookie Season

Colton Herta's debut season in Formula 2 has proven to be a far steeper climb than anticipated. Despite a decorated career in IndyCar, the American driver has struggled to find his footing in the championship, leaving both Herta and F2 CEO Bruno Michel surprised by the difficulty of the transition.

Why it matters:

Herta entered F2 as a high-profile talent, often viewed as a primary candidate for the Cadillac F1 project. His current struggle to adapt to the FIA's feeder series raises critical questions about the translation of IndyCar success to the European ladder and his immediate readiness for a full-time Formula 1 seat.

The details:

• Current Standings: Herta currently sits 19th in the championship, having secured only 26 points over the course of 24 races.
• Environmental Shock: Michel noted that both the team and the driver underestimated the difference in the professional working environment between US open-wheel racing and F2.
• Qualifying Struggles: The primary hurdle has been the limited track time during qualifying, where drivers must deliver peak performance within a strict 30-minute window.
• F1 Implications: While Herta has gained experience through FP1 sessions with Cadillac, his lack of F2 results makes a near-term promotion to F1 unlikely.

The big picture:

The F2 system is intentionally designed to mirror the pressures of Formula 1, specifically regarding limited practice and the demand for immediate pace. For a driver like Herta, who excelled in a different regulatory and cultural ecosystem, this season has become a lesson in the rigidity and precision required by the European racing pyramid.

What's next:

As the season moves toward its conclusion in Qatar and Abu Dhabi, Herta is fighting to finish the campaign on a high note. His performance in these final rounds will be pivotal in determining his trajectory for 2027 and his standing within the Cadillac development program.