Herta Carries IndyCar Hopes into European Racing Venture

Colton Herta's move to European motorsport is not just a personal career shift but a pivotal moment for IndyCar, according to McLaren reserve driver Pato O'Ward. Herta, set to become Cadillac's reserve driver for 2026 and compete in Formula 2 with Hitech, carries the hopes of many in the American series who want to see him succeed in Formula 1.

Why it matters:

Herta's transition to F2 and his role with Cadillac mark a significant attempt by an IndyCar talent to break into Formula 1. His performance will be closely scrutinized, not only for his individual prospects but as a benchmark for IndyCar drivers seeking opportunities in the pinnacle of motorsport. Success for Herta could open doors for future IndyCar talents, strengthening the series' reputation on a global stage.

The Details:

• Dual Role in 2026: Herta will serve as Cadillac's reserve driver for the 2026 season, while also competing in the Formula 2 championship with Hitech. This F2 stint is crucial for accumulating the necessary Super License points to qualify for an F1 seat.
• IndyCar Support: Pato O'Ward, who has raced alongside Herta since 2020, emphasized that Herta has the full backing of the IndyCar community. "I think he doesn't just have himself on board. I think he's definitely got a lot of guys that are pushing for him to do well," O'Ward stated to RACER.
• F1 Ambitions: O'Ward believes an F1 seat in 2027 is a strong possibility for Herta, suggesting that Herta wouldn't be making this significant career shift without such a prospect on the table. "I'd be shocked to not see him in a Formula 1 [seat] in 2027," O'Ward added.
• Challenging Transition: Herta faces a demanding schedule in 2026, including F2 duties, Cadillac reserve responsibilities, and participation in three IMSA SportsCar Championship races for Cadillac. O'Ward highlighted the significant differences between IndyCar and F2, noting that F2 cars are "much worse than an Indy car" in terms of capabilities and feel, particularly regarding tire characteristics.

What's next:

Colton Herta has already completed his initial F2 car test, with more opportunities to adapt expected, possibly including a public appearance at the end-of-season test at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. The coming year will be a rigorous proving ground for Herta, as he balances multiple racing commitments with the intense pressure of securing a Formula 1 future. If he can navigate these challenges successfully, he could fulfill the hopes of many in IndyCar and pave his way to the F1 grid.