Piastri Endorses Colton Herta's Dual Path to F1 with Cadillac and F2

Piastri Endorses Colton Herta's Dual Path to F1 with Cadillac and F2Colton Herta's ambitious move to join Cadillac F1 as a test and development driver in 2026 while simultaneously competing full-time in Formula 2 has garnered support from F1 driver Oscar Piastri, who navigated a rigorous junior career himself. This dual program is strategically designed to prepare Herta for a potential F1 race seat in 2027.Why it matters:Herta's unique approach aims to bridge the gap from IndyCar to Formula 1 by providing direct exposure to European circuits, F1 paddock environments, and crucial experience with Pirelli tires—a significant departure from IndyCar's Firestone specification.The details:Piastri highlighted the distinct benefits of both F1 testing and F2 competition: * F2 alongside F1: "Being on an F1 weekend, racing alongside F1, that’s an important thing," Piastri stated, noting the different feel compared to his pre-F1 racing. He acknowledged Herta's situation differs as he's already a Cadillac test driver, making paddock visibility less of a primary goal. * F1 testing benefits: Getting "up to speed in an F1 car" and familiarizing the brain with the car's complexities and speed are crucial. * F1 testing limitations: Piastri pointed out several drawbacks to F1 testing: "The tyres are not representative. You’re often doing it in winter, or at times when the tracks are not that rubbered in. There’s other cars around. The cars are old. There are a lot of limits to it."The F2 program is specifically intended to help Herta adapt to the technical demands of European tracks and the nuances of Pirelli tires, which are critical for F1 performance.The big picture:Cadillac CEO Dan Towriss emphasized that a future F1 race seat for Herta is far from guaranteed. Speaking during the Italian Grand Prix, Towriss affirmed, "I’m confident Colton will get his shot, but he’s got to earn it. He’s not entitled to that seat; he’s not guaranteed the seat from that standpoint. He’s going over to prove that he belongs in Formula 1."What's next:Valtteri Bottas and Sergio Perez have already been confirmed as Cadillac’s inaugural race drivers for the 2026 season. Herta's pathway aims to position him for an opportunity beyond this initial driver lineup, contingent on his performance and adaptation during his F2 and test driver roles.