Colton Herta to Take 'Big Risk' Quitting IndyCar for F2 to Pursue F1 Dream

Colton Herta, already confirmed as a test and development driver for Cadillac's F1 team, is set to make a significant career move by leaving IndyCar to compete in Formula 2 next season. This decision is described as a "big risk" in his pursuit of an F1 race seat.

Why it matters:

Herta's switch to F2 is a strategic step to acquire the necessary Super Licence points for F1. It will also allow him to familiarize himself with F1 tracks and master Pirelli's intricate tire management, which differs significantly from IndyCar.

The big picture:

Cadillac, F1's newest team set to debut in 2026 with Sergio Perez and Valtteri Bottas, recently announced Herta's role as their test and development driver. Dan Towriss, CEO of TWG Motorsports, which runs the Cadillac F1 team, confirmed Herta's F2 move, though the team he will join is not yet known.

The details:

• Super Licence pursuit: Herta's primary goal is to accumulate enough Super Licence points, a mandatory requirement for F1 entry.
• Circuit familiarity: Competing in F2 will provide valuable experience on a majority of the F1 calendar circuits.
• Pirelli tire understanding: Learning to manage Pirelli tires is crucial, as their characteristics are vastly different from those used in IndyCar.

Towriss praised Herta's courage: "He's leaving IndyCar... He's going to F2. He's going to learn tracks, he's going to learn tyres. So I couldn't be more proud of Colton, to be willing to take that risk, to pursue his dream."

Herta's F1 potential:

This F1 ambition isn't new for Herta. Four years ago, during Michael Andretti's bid to acquire the Sauber F1 team (then Alfa Romeo), Herta impressed in a simulator session. According to Towriss, Herta was faster than the team's then-F1 drivers, Kimi Räikkönen and Antonio Giovinazzi, within an hour. This performance, along with subsequent tests and interest from Red Bull, established his potential.