Colton Herta’s move to F2 represents the American’s final push for an F1 seat, backed by Cadillac. The nine-time IndyCar race winner entered the season as a major talking point, given his proven pedigree and established success in North America.
Ahead of Cadillac’s F1 debut, the team named him as its official test and reserve driver for the 2026 season. However, alongside those duties, the 26 year-old has committed to a full-time F2 campaign with Hitech, where he lines up alongside Ritomo Miyata.
Although a difficult season-opener in Melbourne proved tough to take, Herta entered the year with clear expectations for himself. Speaking during Thursday’s virtual media session in Melbourne, Herta told Pit Debrief and other media outlets about his expectations and what he views as his final opportunity to secure an F1 seat.
Herta: “I expect myself to be quick and contend for wins and podiums”
Ahead of his first F2 race weekend, Herta addressed the attention surrounding his move. With the support of Cadillac, CEO Dan Towriss had outlined his expectations for what he hopes Herta will achieve this year. However, the 26 year-old stated that the pressure and expectations come not from others, but from himself.
Herta said: “I mean, the goal for me every time I get in the race car is very simple, and it is to be quicker than everybody. We’ve seen what they’ve kind of set in the goals that they’re kind of expecting of me.”
“But personally, you know, it’s kind of always worked in my career is that I expect myself to be good. I expect myself to be quick and contend for wins and podiums. And that’s always my goal when I get inside the race car. So, you know, for me, nothing’s changed.”
“But that’s kind of what drives me. That’s what gets the work ethic going. And, that’s what I need to do.”
The pressure to perform comes from himself
Compared to his rivals on the F2 grid this year, Herta has already built a reputation in the sport through his success in IndyCar. While some may see that as placing a target on his back, he said it is not something he is concerned about as he remains focused on himself.
“I mean, for me, it’s simple”, Herta said. “The pressure comes from myself for the most part, pressure to perform. So not really worried too much about the outside world or, you know, competitors and whatnot.”
The 26 year-old explained that the pressure to perform comes mainly from within and that meeting or surpassing his own expectations could define what he considers “a good year”.
“I mean, the main thing is focus on myself and do what I can. You know, I set standards quite high for myself. So, if I can reach those or beat those, it’ll be a good year.”
“Grateful” for the opportunity with Cadillac
Expectations were undeniably high for Herta ahead of his bold move to F2. In his pursuit of attaining the remaining super licence points he needed, joining the championship presented as his best opportunity to secure them and strengthen his case for an F1 seat. With Cadillac, an American brand, entering F1 in 2026, Herta viewed it as a chance he could not afford to miss.
When asked by Pit Debrief about what he would say to critics who questioned his move, Herta kept his response simple, stating it was his decision and an opportunity he viewed as his final chance to achieve his dream of racing in F1.
“I think at the end of the day, it was my decision and I saw it as my last opportunity to get to Formula One. I was super grateful for it and I think there’s plenty of series that I want to race in and compete in, none that have the time constraints like Formula One. So this really is probably my last shot of getting to it and just very grateful for the opportunity with Cadillac.”
Four FP1 sessions with Cadillac lined up
While he is not yet in a full-time F1 seat, Herta has four FP1 outings planned with Cadillac this year. The American will first get behind the wheel for his first FP1 session in Barcelona. The remaining three sessions will be announced at a later date.
As F2 heads to Miami for the first time next week, Herta sits 10th in the Drivers’ Standings with six points. Racing on home soil, the American will be aiming for a stronger weekend and improved results.
