Colton Herta trades Indycar for F2 in 'risky' F1 push

Colton Herta has confirmed he will step away from Indycar next year to contest Formula 2, in a high-risk bid to secure a Formula 1 seat with Cadillac.

The 25-year-old American has already been named as test driver for Cadillac’s 2026 debut, but he still lacks the FIA Super License points required to race. According to Auto Motor und Sport, Herta could be in talks to line up with Prema in 2026.

Cadillac co-owner Dan Towriss, who also heads TWG Motorsports, said the move deserves respect. “We already have two experienced drivers in the cars,” he noted, referencing Valtteri Bottas and Sergio Perez.

“I’m confident Colton will get his chance. But he has to earn it. It’s a bold move. There are no guarantees.” Towriss added: “At a crossroads like this, it would be easy to say ‘I get paid well, I’ll stay in Indycar.’ But he’s decided to take an unconventional path.”

As for Herta himself, he admitted the decision was not easy. “I know what I have to give up,” he said. “I’m leaving a great team and a strong championship, where you can celebrate victories on a good day. That’s not the case in Formula 1, you need the right car to be at the front. So it’s a risk for me. But I want to take the opportunity.”

Towriss said a season in F2 will be crucial for the nine-time Indycar race winner. “He’s going to learn the tracks, he’s going to learn the tyres. Tyres play a big role in that, so I couldn’t be more proud of Colton for being willing to take that risk to pursue his dream.”