Colton Herta, a 25-year-old American driver, stunned the motorsport world by announcing his departure from IndyCar to compete in Formula 2 in 2026, aiming to earn the superlicense needed to fulfill his dream of racing in Formula 1. The decision, confirmed by Dan Towriss, CEO of TWG Motorsports, was revealed on the podcast Off Track with Hinch and Rossi, hosted by former IndyCar and F1 drivers James Hinchcliffe and Alexander Rossi. Herta, who will also serve as a test and development driver for Cadillac F1, a team debuting in 2026, leaves Andretti Global after seven successful seasons. The move is a strategic step to adapt to European circuits and Pirelli tires, key elements for transitioning to F1. This shift underscores Cadillac’s commitment to nurturing an American talent for the future of the sport’s top tier.
Herta’s transition to Formula 2 marks a rare moment in motorsport, with an established IndyCar driver opting for a feeder series to reach F1. He currently holds 35 superlicense points, five short of the 40 required by the FIA, and the F2 season will be critical to achieving this goal. Cadillac, with Sergio Pérez and Valtteri Bottas as its 2026 race drivers, sees Herta as a potential star for 2027.
Herta’s IndyCar journey
Colton Herta exits IndyCar with an impressive record. The son of former driver Bryan Herta, he secured nine wins and 16 pole positions in 116 races, becoming the youngest race winner in the series’ history in 2019 at Circuit of the Americas at age 18. His prowess on road and street circuits, where he claimed all his victories, marks him as a versatile driver.
- Nine wins: Including Circuit of the Americas (2019), Laguna Seca (2019 and 2021), Mid-Ohio (2020), St. Petersburg (2021), and Long Beach (2022).
- 16 pole positions: Records at tracks like Road America and St. Petersburg.
- 2024 runner-up: Finished the season behind only Álex Palou.
- Endurance success: Won the 24 Hours of Daytona (2019 and 2022) and 12 Hours of Sebring (2024).
Herta led over 1,000 laps in IndyCar, showcasing consistency and speed. His departure paves the way for Will Power, who will take over the #26 car at Andretti in 2026, as confirmed by the team.
IndyCar race winner Colton Herta will make a shock move to Formula 2 for the 2026 season, as confirmed by Cadillac F1 CEO Dan Towriss.
— Feeder Series (@feeder_series) September 3, 2025
Feeder Series breaks down one of the most unusual yet momentous driver transfers in junior series here 👇https://t.co/mF7VuEGTBY
Prior European experience
Before shining in IndyCar, Herta raced in Europe between 2015 and 2016, gaining valuable experience. He competed in the Euroformula Open, securing four wins, six podiums, and five poles. In the British Formula 3, he earned three podiums, including a victory at Brands Hatch. These stints familiarized him with circuits like Spa-Francorchamps and Silverstone, part of the F2 calendar.
Herta faced drivers like Lando Norris in the MSA Formula Championship, proving his competitiveness against future F1 talents. This background will aid his adaptation to Formula 2, where he must master challenging tracks and Pirelli tires, which differ significantly from IndyCar’s Firestone tires.
Cadillac’s strategy for 2026
Cadillac, a new Formula 1 team backed by General Motors and TWG Motorsports, enters the grid in 2026 with an ambitious approach. Selecting Herta as a test driver and placing him in F2 reflects their commitment to developing an American talent to represent the team in the future. Dan Towriss praised Herta’s courage in leaving IndyCar, where he was a star, to tackle the F2 challenge.
- Race drivers: Sergio Pérez and Valtteri Bottas, signed for two years, will lead the team in 2026.
- Herta’s role: As a test driver, he will participate in at least five free practice sessions, focusing on car development, particularly aerodynamics and tires.
- F2 goal: Earn the five points needed for the superlicense and prepare for a potential 2027 seat.
Graeme Lowdon, team principal, commended Herta’s speed and maturity, noting that his IndyCar experience brings a unique perspective to the project. Cadillac also aims to integrate elements of American motorsport, such as strategies from road course racing, into the F1 landscape.
Previous F1 tests and interest
Herta has come close to Formula 1 before, showing promise in tests. In 2021, during Andretti’s attempt to acquire Sauber, he impressed in the simulator, outpacing Kimi Raikkonen and Antonio Giovinazzi’s times in under an hour. In 2022, he tested McLaren’s MCL35M in Portimão, completing 466 laps, which caught the attention of McLaren CEO Zak Brown, who believed Herta could win Grands Prix.
Red Bull also showed interest in Herta for AlphaTauri (now Racing Bulls) in 2023, but his lack of superlicense points blocked the move. The FIA rejected a request for an exemption, halting the deal. These episodes reinforce Cadillac’s confidence in his potential for F1.
Formula 2 challenges
Competing in Formula 2 will be a significant challenge for Herta. The series is known for its fierce competition, with grids featuring young talents like Charles Leclerc and George Russell, who used F2 as a stepping stone to F1. Herta must quickly adapt to circuits like Monaco and Baku while mastering Pirelli tires, which require a different driving approach compared to IndyCar’s Firestone tires.
- Challenging tracks: Monaco, Spa-Francorchamps, and Baku demand precision and adaptation.
- Pirelli tires: Differ in durability and grip, requiring adjustments in driving style.
- Tough competition: Herta will face young and seasoned drivers, many with years of experience in European feeder series.
- Point accumulation: Strong F2 performance can secure the five points needed for the superlicense.
Despite the challenges, Herta’s experience in high-pressure races and quick adaptation skills are advantages. He will also benefit from Cadillac and TWG Motorsports’ support in his preparation.
Impact on American motorsport
Herta’s decision reflects a growing trend of American drivers eyeing Formula 1, a rarity since Alexander Rossi, the last American to race in the category, in 2015. Cadillac, backed by General Motors and Andretti, reinforces its American identity by investing in Herta, who has the potential to become the next big name from the U.S. in F1.
Mario Andretti, an F1 icon and Cadillac board member, praised the young driver, highlighting his speed and potential for 2027. Herta’s F2 stint is expected to draw attention from American fans, eager for a representative in F1 after a decade-long absence. His journey will be closely watched, especially by those who see Cadillac as a chance to elevate U.S. motorsport globally.
Future in Formula 1
While Herta has no guaranteed seat with Cadillac for 2027, his F2 participation and test driver role position him as a strong contender. Towriss emphasized that Herta must prove himself, but the team’s confidence in his talent is clear. A solid F2 season could not only secure the superlicense but also attract interest from other F1 teams if Cadillac retains Pérez and Bottas.
Herta views the move as a critical step toward his childhood dream. He acknowledged the risk of leaving IndyCar, where he had a solid career, but emphasized his determination to seize the opportunity. “Being part of Cadillac’s F1 debut is something I couldn’t pass up. My focus is on helping build a competitive team and preparing for the future,” he stated.
Andretti legacy and Will Power’s transition
Herta’s exit from Andretti Global closes a successful chapter in IndyCar. He contributed to podiums and runner-up finishes, leaving a legacy of victories at iconic tracks. Will Power, who takes over the #26 car in 2026, praised Herta’s natural talent and wished him success in Europe. Power, a veteran with two wins in 2025, is seen as a capable replacement, ensuring Andretti’s competitiveness.
- Herta’s contributions: Runner-up in 2024 and wins at tracks like Laguna Seca.
- Will Power: IndyCar veteran with two 2025 wins, taking over the #26 car.
- Smooth transition: Andretti maintains strength with Power as Herta pursues new horizons.
Herta’s decision to leave IndyCar for F1 showcases courage and ambition, qualities that could define him as a major figure in American motorsport’s future.
