**Cadillac F1 Test Driver Colton Herta to Race in F2 in 2026 as He Pursues Formula 1 Dream**
Cadillac F1 test driver Colton Herta has reflected on a major career shift as he leaves IndyCar to race in Formula 2 (F2) in 2026. The American driver’s move is driven by his desire to fulfill his “ultimate ambition” of competing at the pinnacle of motorsport in Formula 1 (F1).
On Tuesday, F2 team Hitech Grand Prix announced that it had signed Herta for the 2026 season. Rumors about this move had been circulating for several weeks, with the 25-year-old’s father, racing icon Bryan Herta, confirming that Cadillac F1 was negotiating with Hitech on his son’s behalf.
The California native, who is IndyCar’s youngest-ever race winner, shared his feelings about leaving the premier American open-wheel racing series to take a step down and compete in F2 in pursuit of his F1 dream.
> “I’m incredibly excited to be joining Hitech for the 2026 FIA Formula 2 season,” Colton Herta said.
> “This is a big shift in my career, and I’m ready for the challenge. I’ve loved my time in IndyCar and I’m proud of everything I achieved, but the opportunity to race in F2 on the Formula 1 calendar, against some of the best young drivers in the world, was one I couldn’t pass up.”
Herta has harbored a childhood dream of racing in F1 and once competed alongside McLaren’s Lando Norris during their junior formula careers in Europe. Although fate eventually brought him back to America and IndyCar, the 25-year-old is now back on track for what appears to be his final shot at securing an F1 seat.
> “I’ve always worked to keep the door to F1 open, and this move is part of that ultimate ambition,” he explained.
> “I know it won’t be easy learning the car, the tyres, the tracks, but I’m approaching this with determination, focus, and a lot of motivation. My goal is to compete at the front, continue developing as a driver, and put myself in the best possible position for a future in Formula 1.”
Herta praised Hitech Grand Prix’s reputation and track record, adding:
> “Hitech has an excellent reputation and a proven track record, and I’m confident it’s the right environment for me to develop and perform. I want to thank them for believing in me and providing the platform to make this step.”
### Transition from IndyCar to Cadillac F1 and the Role of F2 in Herta’s Career
Colton Herta will depart Andretti Global after the 2025 IndyCar season to join sister team Cadillac F1 as its test driver for 2026. While Cadillac F1 has already signed Valtteri Bottas and Sergio Perez on multi-year deals starting from 2026, Herta’s move away from a top IndyCar seat suggests a strategic plan for 2027.
However, as Bryan Herta revealed last month, Cadillac F1 will not use Colton’s performance in F2 as a deciding factor for granting him an F1 race seat. Instead, the move to F2 with Hitech GP is designed primarily to help Colton familiarize himself with F1 circuits and gain valuable experience with Pirelli tyres.
This transition is crucial because IndyCar uses Firestone tyres, which behave very differently from Pirelli tyres used in Formula 1 and Formula 2. Competing in F2 will also give Herta an opportunity to earn the necessary points toward an FIA Super Licence—a key qualification required for eligibility to race in F1.
The lack of a Super Licence has already been a hurdle for Herta on two occasions. In 2023, Red Bull wanted him to replace Alpine-bound Pierre Gasly but could not finalize the deal due to his licence status. Similarly, Cadillac F1’s initial plans to sign him as a full-time F1 driver for 2026 were also impacted by this issue.
As Herta embarks on this new chapter in F2, his determination to transition to Formula 1 remains clear, making 2026 a pivotal year in his motorsport career.
https://www.sportskeeda.com/indycar/news-colton-herta-gets-honest-big-shift-indycar-f2-signing-hitech-gp-2026