Former Andretti Global driver Colton Herta is making a bold move from IndyCar to Formula 2 (F2) for the 2026 season while simultaneously fulfilling his duties as the Cadillac F1 reserve driver. This transition marks a significant step in Herta’s pursuit of his ultimate dream: a full-time seat in Formula 1.
IndyCar play-by-play announcer Will Buxton recently addressed the American driver’s risky switch to F2, highlighting the biggest challenges Herta will face in the fiercely competitive Formula ladder series.
Herta, who challenged Alex Palou for the IndyCar title in 2024 and established himself as one of the top drivers on the grid, was also the highest-paid driver in IndyCar at that time. Despite his success, he decided to leave it all behind to join Cadillac’s F1 program, aiming to secure his FIA superlicence and gain crucial experience in F2 for the 2026 season.
Shortly after the 2025 IndyCar season wrapped up, Herta announced his departure from Andretti Global, confirming his move to Cadillac F1 and his commitment to race full-time in F2 next year. The goal is clear: to accumulate the superlicence points necessary for Formula 1 eligibility while familiarizing himself with the tracks and car dynamics of the FIA-sanctioned formula series.
### The Risk and the Challenge of F2
While Herta was initially considered a candidate for a full-time F1 drive with Cadillac, he fell short in obtaining enough superlicence points. Speaking on the DIVEBOMB IndyCar podcast, Will Buxton explained why Herta’s move to F2 is particularly challenging.
“It’s risky, man. It’s really risky. He doesn’t know the tracks, doesn’t know the car. Tires are the big thing. Everyone he’s racing against will either have already raced in F2 and know the circuits and the tires. They would have raced in F3 and they’ll know the tires,” Buxton commented (57:10 onwards).
Buxton also pointed out the complexities of adapting to Pirelli tires used in the FIA formula series. “Those Pirellis are tricky. And I’m not convinced that Colton, out of everybody that I’ve seen in IndyCar, is the number one driver I would put down for best tire feel. If you said who’s got the best tire feel in IndyCar, I wouldn’t have put Colton at the top of the list,” he added.
The challenge with Pirelli tires stems from their sensitivity to temperature changes and narrow operating windows, which often lead to unpredictable grip levels during race weekends. Even seasoned F1 drivers frequently encounter difficulties managing these tires effectively.
### F1 Aspirations Remain Strong
Despite these hurdles, Herta has support from his peers and the wider racing community. His former IndyCar rival, Pato O’Ward, now racing with Arrow McLaren, expressed confidence in Herta’s prospects in Formula 1. In an interview with Racer, O’Ward stated:
“I think I’d be shocked to not see him in an F1 [seat] in 2027. I don’t think he’d be doing this switch if that wasn’t on the table for him. I’m super excited for him, and I really want him to do well, because he’s going to be our IndyCar representation.”
O’Ward also emphasized the strong backing behind Herta’s push toward F1: “I think he doesn’t just have himself on board. I think he’s definitely got a lot of guys that are pushing for him to do well outside of just being in F2 next year. We want him to make it to F1, and we want him to do well.”
### Confirmed F2 Team: Hitech GP
A few weeks ago, it was confirmed that Colton Herta would compete with Hitech GP in the 2026 F2 season—a team known for developing young talents aiming for F1.
This move underscores Herta’s commitment to mastering the nuances of formula racing and accumulating the experience needed to break into the pinnacle of motorsport.
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*Edited by Pranay Bhagi*
https://www.sportskeeda.com/indycar/news-will-buxton-worried-colton-herta-s-really-risky-f2-move-one-major-problem
