Herta Risks It All: IndyCar Star to Race in F2 in Bold Bid for Formula 1 Dream
Published: November 21, 2023
by Alex Carter, World-today-News.com
In a stunning move that defies conventional racing career paths, American driver Colton Herta will compete in the FIA Formula 2 Championship in 2026 as he aggressively pursues a full-time seat in Formula 1. The announcement comes as Herta simultaneously takes on a test and development driver role with Cadillac‘s burgeoning F1 program, signaling a high-stakes gamble to finally realize his long-held ambition.
Herta, 23, is already a proven race winner in IndyCar, with seven victories to his name. It’s rare to see established professional racers step back to junior formulae, but Herta views this as a necessary – and potentially career-defining – step.
“Everyone’s seen how close I’ve come before,” Herta revealed on the Off Track with Hinch and Rossi podcast, referencing previous attempts to secure an F1 drive, most notably a near-miss with AlphaTauri in 2023 that was ultimately blocked by superlicence point requirements. “I think this is my best shot at getting to Formula 1.” He went even further, describing the F2 possibility as a “lifeline.”
The decision underscores the intense competition and stringent regulations surrounding entry into the pinnacle of motorsport. F1 requires drivers to accumulate a certain number of superlicence points,earned through performance in feeder series like F2. While herta’s indycar success is recognized, competing directly in F2 provides a clear pathway to accumulating the necessary points.
Herta’s connection to a potential F1 team is already established through Andretti Global, who have long championed his talent and previously attempted to enter F1 with him as their driver. The cadillac partnership further strengthens his position, offering valuable development experience with a team poised to join the F1 grid.
This move is a testament to Herta’s unwavering dedication to Formula 1. he’s willing to sacrifice established success in IndyCar for the chance at achieving his ultimate goal. The 2026 F2 season will be one to watch, not just for Herta’s performance on track, but for the compelling narrative of a driver putting everything on the line to chase a dream.
Keywords: Colton Herta, Formula 1, F2, IndyCar, Motorsport, Cadillac, Andretti, Superlicence, Racing News, F1 News.