From Indy Star to F2 Student – Colton Herta’s Bold Leap Into Formula Racing’s Deep End
Colton Herta is swapping the roaring success of his IndyCar career for something entirely different—the classroom of Formula 2. The American driver has openly described his preparation for the 2026 season as “going back to school,” and for good reason. He’s stepping into one of the most competitive environments in global motorsport, one that serves as the final proving ground before the dream stage of Formula 1.
But here’s where it gets controversial: is leaving a thriving IndyCar career behind to chase F1 license points really worth the gamble?
After years of excelling in IndyCar, Herta made the daring choice to move into F2—the official feeder series for Formula 1—as part of his pursuit to earn the necessary super licence points. The move highlights how difficult it can be for top drivers outside of Europe to break into F1, even with proven skill and experience. Herta’s situation mirrors the struggles of competitors like Ritomo Miyata, who joined from Japan’s Super Formula and Super GT as a double champion, only to secure a single podium across nearly two full F2 seasons. The competition is fierce, and experience elsewhere doesn’t guarantee success here.
When asked by F1 TV’s James Hinchcliffe during the Las Vegas Grand Prix weekend how his approach differs from what he’d do back in the States, Herta didn’t hold back: “It’s literally back to school,” he said with a grin. “I’m relearning driving fundamentals. Even though formula cars look similar, they behave completely differently—and the F2 car is another beast entirely.”
He went on to explain that everything, from braking technique to tyre management, demands adjustment. “The Pirellis in F2 are nothing like the Firestones in IndyCar,” he noted. “Learning how to get the most from them—when to push, when to ease off—is part of the whole challenge. But honestly, I’m excited about it.”
Herta hinted that not everything will feel foreign. “Some parts take me back to my F3 and F4 days,” he said. “It’s kind of nostalgic in a way—it’s a big program, and I can’t wait to see how it unfolds.”
The 24-year-old will officially begin this new chapter in December, joining Hitech for the three-day post-season F2 test in Abu Dhabi from the 10th to 12th. At the same time, he’s balancing another major commitment: his role as Cadillac’s Formula 1 test driver, part of the brand’s bold entry into the sport. It’s a packed calendar by any measure.
And he’s not stopping there. Alongside his F2 duties, Herta will also contest three rounds of the IMSA SportsCar Championship—Daytona 24, Sebring 12 Hours, and Petit Le Mans—driving for Cadillac. “It’s a lot on my plate,” he admitted, “but getting behind the wheel of that naturally aspirated V10—it’s amazing. I’ve only driven turbo engines before, so feeling and hearing that raw power is a whole new experience.”
Herta’s transition symbolizes both ambition and risk: a proven American driver stepping into Europe’s toughest talent pool in pursuit of an F1 opportunity that’s eluded many before him. Will his “back to school” journey pay off—or prove just how steep Formula 1’s barriers really are?
What do you think—should more drivers take this kind of leap to chase the F1 dream, or is the system stacked too heavily against those coming from outside Europe? Share your thoughts below; this debate is far from over.
