Colton Herta Confirms Departure from IndyCar, Set for Post with Cadillac and Possible F2 Pursuit
It has been officially announced that Colton Herta will not return to the IndyCar Series in 2026 as he transitions directly into a test driver role with Cadillac’s Formula 1 team. This decision comes after Cadillac’s recent selection of two seasoned drivers on multi-year contracts, prompting speculation that Herta could remain in IndyCar for additional experience in securing the necessary FIA Super License points.
At 25, Herta’s shift away from IndyCar marks a significant turning point in his career. Although he has not publicly outlined a specific racing program for 2026, it is expected that he will pair his Cadillac responsibilities with participation in a Formula 2 campaign. This dual role would not only afford him the opportunity to remain connected with the F1 team but also to enhance his racing proficiency.
F2 offers vital Super License points, crucial for Herta’s ambitions in Formula 1. For example, finishing in the top ten of the championship would yield enough points to elevate him toward the required 40-point threshold for a Super License. Competing in F2 concurrently with the F1 calendar enables Herta to accumulate valuable track experience, contending on the same circuits with Pirelli tires that mimic F1’s performance characteristics.
Despite the perception of moving down from a nine-time IndyCar race winner to F2 rookie status, engaging with an F1 team provides strategic advantages. In recent evidence, drivers transitioning from F2 to F1, such as Isack Hadjar and Gabriel Bortoleto, demonstrate the profound benefits of this feeder series, evidenced by Hadjar’s recent podium finish and Bortoleto’s early success at Sauber.
The competitive landscape of F2 highlights both potential challenges and rewards for Herta. Despite the promise shown by various rookies, such as Kimi Antonelli and Oliver Bearman, success is not guaranteed. Their performances illustrate the unpredictable nature of the championship, driven by external factors like team dynamics and machinery reliability.
In summary, while the transition from IndyCar to Formula 2 could represent a step backward superficially, the dual engagement with an F1 team may yield substantial long-term benefits for Herta, enabling him to build the necessary competencies for a future in F1. His strategic decision to undertake this route reflects a commitment to respecting and navigating the current motorsport hierarchy.
