Colton Herta will make the shock switch from IndyCar to Formula 2 in 2026, joining Hitech TGR, in what many regard as a make-or-break step to finally secure the FIA Super Licence points that have so far kept him from a long-anticipated Formula 1 seat.
The 25-year-old Californian was once considered one of America’s brightest prospects for F1, with McLaren having signed him as a test driver in 2022 and AlphaTauri seriously weighing him as a race option. But despite his talent — seven IndyCar victories and nine pole positions by the age of 22 — Herta found himself blocked by a super licence system that undervalues IndyCar compared with junior single-seater categories.
“I’m incredibly excited to be joining Hitech for the 2026 FIA Formula 2 season. This is a big shift in my career, and I’m ready for the challenge,” said Herta.
“I’ve loved my time in IndyCar and I’m proud of everything I achieved, but the opportunity to race in F2 – to compete on the Formula 1 calendar, against some of the best young drivers in the world – was one I couldn’t pass up.”
“I’ve always worked to keep the door to F1 open, and this move is part of that ultimate ambition. I know it won’t be easy – learning the car, the tyres, the tracks – but I’m approaching this with determination, focus, and a lot of motivation. My goal is to compete at the front, continue developing as a driver, and put myself in the best possible position for a future in Formula 1.”
“Hitech has an excellent reputation and a proven track record, and I’m confident it’s the right environment for me to develop and perform. I want to thank them for believing in me and providing the platform to make this step.”
The Super Licence roadblock
Herta’s career trajectory stalled when he fell short of the 40 points needed for an F1 licence, collecting only 32 following a tenth-place championship finish in IndyCar in 2022. At the time, many within the paddock argued that his results and performances warranted an F1 chance, but the FIA refused to bend the rules.
Andretti Global, with whom Herta signed a lucrative four-year extension through 2027, hoped to field him as the face of its planned Cadillac-backed F1 entry. However, as the team’s efforts to join the grid evolved, Herta’s opportunity slipped away. Cadillac ultimately turned to the experienced duo of Valtteri Bottas and Sergio Pérez, leaving Herta once again on the outside.
Why Formula 2?
The decision for Colton Herta to move to Formula 2 represents a major gamble. At 26 years old, Herta will be significantly older than the average driver on the F2 grid, where the majority are between 19 and 22. He will also find himself competing against several drivers aiming to impress for their first shot at F1.
The attraction, however, is clear. Success in Formula 2 all but guarantees the super licence points required to move up, while the series also races on 14 current F1 tracks. For Herta, that means valuable experience on circuits he has rarely visited — he has only previously raced at five of them during a brief stint in junior European categories nearly a decade ago.
Team Manager Clive Hatton was pleased to add Herta to the Hitech TGR family. “We’re delighted to welcome Colton to the team for the 2026 Formula 2 season,” he said. “He already brings a level of experience, professionalism, and talent that we’re typically used to nurturing in drivers as they progress through the junior categories.”
“This is an exciting step for Colton, but also a challenging one. He’s stepping into a new racing environment that has very different formats, with high expectations, and a clear goal of progressing to F1. But his determination and commitment are impressive and we’re delighted to help maximise his potential during the 2026 season.”
A risk worth taking?
Some in the paddock have questioned whether stepping down to Formula 2 represents a wise move for a driver of Herta’s calibre. Former F1 and IndyCar racer Alexander Rossi has suggested that adapting to new venues and formats should not be an insurmountable challenge, but others warn the expectations will be enormous.
People will judge a driver with Herta’s experience differently from a 19-year-old prospect: they could see winning the F2 title as the bare minimum, while they might perceive finishing outside the top three as a failure.
A final shot at F1
For Herta, however, this may be the only realistic route left. Critics have long argued that the super licence system, introduced after Max Verstappen debuted in F1 at just 17 years old, undervalues achievements in IndyCar. Herta, more than most, has become the poster child for its limitations.
By taking on Formula 2, he is choosing the harder path in pursuit of his ultimate dream. If he succeeds, he could yet position himself for a seat with Cadillac F1 as early as 2027. If not, the risk could come at the expense of what was shaping up to be a long and lucrative IndyCar career.
What is certain is that Herta is not ready to let go of Formula 1.
