Reported
Herta targets F1 seat via F2, Cadillac role
Colton Herta views his 2026 Formula 2 season with Hitech as a final opportunity to secure a Formula 1 drive.
Colton Herta has reportedly identified his 2026 Formula 2 campaign with Hitech as his "last shot" at securing a Formula 1 seat. The American driver previously pursued F1 opportunities with McLaren and Racing Bulls. He also holds a test and reserve driver role with Cadillac's emerging F1 program, according to Crash.net.
Herta's F1 Aspirations
Herta, a nine-time IndyCar race winner and 2024 series runner-up, was denied a Super Licence exemption in 2023. This blocked a potential F1 race seat. His current F2 move is seen as a direct response to this regulatory hurdle, according to Crash.net. The 25-year-old indicated this was his decision. He acknowledged the time constraints unique to Formula 1.
Performance Expectations
Herta stated his personal goal is to contend for wins and podiums. Cadillac has reportedly set a top-10 championship finish as their target for him. Herta emphasizes self-imposed pressure, focusing on his own performance standards. He aims to be quicker than his competitors. He seeks championship silverware this season.
F2 Challenge Ahead
Herta joins Hitech for the 2026 F2 season. His teammate is Ritomo Miyata. Most of Herta's F2 peers have progressed from lower categories, such as Formula 3. Herta transitions from IndyCar. The F2 season commenced in Australia.
Status And Sources
This story is labelled Reported, which means a newsroom we cite carries this but the people involved have not confirmed it. The rules behind those labels are in the editorial policy, and the desk that published it is Miika Rantanen.
Written from the following reporting. Each link goes to the newsroom's own page, not to an aggregator:
- Crash.netcrash.net
