Colton Herta, the new test driver for Cadillac, has made the decision to leave IndyCar and transition to the Formula 2 grid next season. This move is driven by his pursuit of the necessary FIA superlicence points required to compete in Formula 1 in the future.
Herta’s connection to the Cadillac project has been long-standing, stemming from Andretti Global’s F1 expansion plans. TWG Motorsports, the owner of AG and the Cadillac F1 team, will establish the team as the 11th outfit in the sport starting next year.
The initial lineup for Cadillac includes Valtteri Bottas and Sergio Perez as their primary racing drivers, with Herta confirmed as their official test driver. Despite not achieving high standings in the current IndyCar championship to secure enough superlicence points, Herta’s move to Formula 2 aims to address this limitation.
TWG chief executive Dan Towriss expressed his support for Herta’s ambition, emphasizing the need for him to take substantial risks to pursue his Formula 1 dream. The decision to transition to F2 signifies a strategic move to accumulate crucial experience and points for future F1 eligibility.
The FIA’s current point system favors drivers competing in Formula 2 over IndyCar, despite the latter being a premier single-seater motorsport series in North America. Herta’s previous attempt to secure an F1 seat faced a setback due to the superlicence requirement.
Looking ahead, Towriss hinted at potential opportunities for Herta in the 2027 season if he performs well in F2. He emphasized the necessity for Herta to prove himself and earn his place in Formula 1 through dedicated effort and performance.
Herta’s bold decision to embark on this challenging path has garnered admiration from the racing community. His willingness to step out of his comfort zone and embrace new challenges is seen as a defining moment in his career development.
As Herta takes on the role of test driver for Cadillac, following Mick Schumacher’s rejection of the position, the racing world anticipates his progress and potential future achievements in the competitive realm of Formula 1.