A pivotal move in his quest to reach Formula One, NTT IndyCar Series star Colton herta will join the FIA Formula 2 Championship in 2026, competing with Hitech Racing. This proclamation, made on October 21 by the Cadillac Formula 1 Team, marks a significant step forward for the American driver.
Herta’s Journey to Formula 2
Herta, who has already secured nine victories in the IndyCar Series since his debut in 2018, will embark on the 28-race Formula 2 season. The series uniquely hosts sprint and feature races alongside Formula One events, providing invaluable experiance. He was previously designated as a test driver for Cadillac Formula 1 on September 3, as the team prepares for its 2026 debut.
“I am incredibly excited to officially be joining F2 for the 2026 season,” Herta stated. “This is a fantastic chance to hone my skills in European racing and gauge my ability against some of the most promising young drivers globally.”
He further emphasized the benefits of racing alongside formula One, stating it will provide first-hand exposure to the environment and contribute to his development within the Cadillac F1 family. He conveyed his gratitude to Cadillac and hitech for their confidence and support.
Hitech Racing’s Championship Contention
Hitech Racing is currently a frontrunner in the 2025 Formula 2 season,vying for both the driver and team championships with only two rounds remaining. Luke Browning, currently driving for Hitech, holds third place in the driver standings, trailing leader Leonardo Fornaroli by 27 points. The team itself is 12 points behind Invicta in the team standings.
The 2026 Formula 2 season will kick off on March 7-8 in Melbourne, Australia.
A Return to European Roots
this move represents a return to European racing for Herta, who first competed on the continent in 2015.During a two-year period, He achieved four wins, six podium finishes, and five pole positions in the Euroformula open Championship. He also participated in six British F3 events, earning three podiums, including a victory at Brands Hatch, ahead of his return to American racing in 2017.
| Driver | Team | Current Standing (2025 F2) |
|---|---|---|
| Leonardo Fornaroli | Invicta | Leader |
| Luke Browning | Hitech Racing | 3rd |
| Colton Herta | Hitech Racing | Joining in 2026 |
did You Know? Formula 2 serves as the primary feeder series for Formula One, with many current F1 drivers having honed their skills in the category.
Pro Tip: understanding the nuances of Formula 2 is crucial for fans following emerging talent in motorsport, as it showcases the future stars of Formula One.
What challenges do you anticipate Herta will face transitioning from IndyCar to Formula 2? How will this experience shape his potential future in Formula One?
The Path from IndyCar to Formula One
The transition from IndyCar to Formula One is not without its hurdles. While both series represent the pinnacle of motorsport,they differ considerably in car design,track types,and racing styles. IndyCar emphasizes oval racing, a discipline absent from the F1 calendar, while formula One focuses on road courses and emphasizes aerodynamic development and tire management.
Historically, few drivers have successfully made the jump between the two series. The most notable example is Mario Andretti, who won both the IndyCar Championship and the Formula One World Championship. More recently, drivers like Scott Speed and Sébastien Bourdais have attempted the transition with varying degrees of success.
Formula 1 Official Website provides complete information on the latest news, standings, and race schedules.
Frequently Asked Questions about Colton Herta
- What is Formula 2? Formula 2 is a feeder series for formula One, designed to develop young drivers with experience in high-performance racing.
- why is Colton Herta moving to Formula 2? Herta is aiming for a future career in Formula One, and Formula 2 provides a crucial stepping stone in that direction.
- What is Hitech Racing’s role in Herta’s development? Hitech Racing will provide Herta with the necessary resources and expertise to compete at a high level in Formula 2.
- When does the 2026 Formula 2 season start? The first event weekend of the 2026 Formula 2 season is scheduled for March 7-8 in Melbourne, Australia.
- Has Colton Herta raced in Europe before? Yes, Herta competed in European racing series, including Euroformula Open and British F3, from 2015 to 2017.
Share your thoughts on Herta’s exciting venture! Leave a comment below and let us know what you think of his chances in formula 2.
