New Cadillac test driver Colton Herta has officially announced his decision to leave IndyCar and transition to the Formula 2 grid in the upcoming season. This move is driven by Herta’s pursuit of the FIA superlicence points necessary for potential future participation in Formula 1.
The transition aligns with the Cadillac project, which originated as the official initiative of Andretti Global, an American motorsport team looking to expand into F1. TWG Motorsports, the parent company of Andretti Global and the Cadillac F1 team, will introduce the team as the 11th contender in the sport starting next year.
While Valtteri Bottas and Sergio Perez have already been signed as primary racing drivers, Colton Herta will take on the role of the official test driver. Despite not achieving a high enough ranking in the current IndyCar championship to accumulate sufficient superlicence points, Herta’s appointment underscores Cadillac’s commitment to fielding an American driver, with Herta being a prominent candidate.
TWG CEO Dan Towriss expressed pride in Herta’s decision to pursue his F1 aspirations through the Formula 2 route, emphasizing the challenges and risks involved in the transition. The move is strategic, considering that F2 offers better prospects for acquiring superlicence points compared to IndyCar, despite the latter being a top-tier single-seater series in North America.
Looking ahead, Towriss hinted at the possibility of Herta securing a race seat in 2027 if he demonstrates strong performance in F2. This opportunity underscores the need for Herta to prove his capabilities and earn his place in Formula 1, as highlighted by Towriss.
The decision to join Formula 2 reflects Herta’s willingness to embrace discomfort and pursue an unconventional path towards his goals. The move represents a significant growth opportunity for Herta, with the potential for substantial development and advancement in his career.
Herta’s appointment as test driver follows Mick Schumacher’s rejection of a similar role, opting for a different path in the motorsport arena. Schumacher’s decision opens the door for potential collaborations with McLaren as they gear up for their entry into the World Endurance Championship in 2027.
