O'Ward 'Shocked Not to See Herta in F1 by 2027'

McLaren IndyCar driver Pato O'Ward is confidently backing former rival Colton Herta's strategic move to Formula 2, coupled with a test driver role for the Cadillac F1 Team. O'Ward believes this is a clear precursor to Herta securing a Formula 1 seat by 2027, stating he'd be "shocked" if it didn't happen. This transatlantic gamble, trading IndyCar success for a European proving ground, signifies a calculated plan to put Herta on the F1 grid.

Why it matters:

Colton Herta's ambitious transition from IndyCar to Formula 2, supported by a test role with the Cadillac F1 Team, represents a significant push to get a prominent American driver into Formula 1. If successful, this move could open doors for other talented American racers and boost F1's burgeoning popularity in the U.S. It also highlights a shift in strategy for American drivers aiming for F1, moving away from past entitlement models toward a more rigorous development path through European feeder series.

The Details:

• Herta's Strategic Shift: Colton Herta is moving to Formula 2 with Hitech and will serve as a test driver for the Cadillac F1 Team. This multi-faceted approach aims to immerse him in the F1 ecosystem.
• O'Ward's Strong Endorsement: Pato O'Ward, a respected IndyCar competitor, firmly believes Herta's move is a direct pathway to F1. He told RACER, "I'd be shocked to not see him in a Formula 1 [seat] in 2027." O'Ward stressed that Herta wouldn't make such a switch without a clear F1 prospect on the table.
• Representing IndyCar: O'Ward views Herta as IndyCar's ambassador, expressing a desire for him to succeed and make it to F1, not just for himself but for American open-wheel racing as a whole.
• The Learning Curve: Despite his optimism, O'Ward acknowledged the challenges Herta faces, noting that F2 cars are "much worse than an Indy car" in terms of capabilities and feeling, requiring significant adaptation to different tires and car dynamics.
• Cadillac's Perspective: Dan Towriss, CEO of the Cadillac F1 Team, praised Herta's decision to embrace this challenging path. He emphasized that Herta's move is driven by ambition and a desire to earn his place, rather than entitlement.
• No Risk, No Reward: Towriss stated, "He has to take a huge risk – no seat is guaranteed." This highlights the commitment required to learn new tracks, adapt to F1-spec tires, and prove his capabilities within the European racing structure.
• Exceptional Talent: Both O'Ward and Towriss lauded Herta's "immense talent" and his ability to find speed where others cannot, underlining his raw potential for F1.

What's Next:

Herta's journey through Formula 2 and his test driver duties with Cadillac will be closely watched. If he can demonstrate consistent performance and adaptability in the European ladder, combined with his natural talent, he stands a strong chance of fulfilling O'Ward's prediction and securing a full-time F1 seat by 2027, potentially becoming the next American to grace the pinnacle of motorsport.