Colton Herta is taking a bold step in 2026. After years of chasing his Formula 1 dream from across the Atlantic, the American will leave IndyCar and join the Formula 2 grid — a move designed to finally earn the FIA super licence points he needs to compete at motorsport’s highest level.
The 25-year-old will combine his F2 campaign with a role as test and reserve driver for Cadillac’s debut F1 season in 2026, working alongside Sergio Pérez and Valtteri Bottas. However, despite his experience and race wins in the United States, Herta remained ineligible to receive his FIA super licence.
Closing the points gap
Red Bull tried to bring Herta to F1 in 2023, but the FIA blocked the move because he didn’t have the required 40 super licence points. At the time, he held just 29, not enough for an exemption. The problem wasn’t his ability, but rather the FIA’s points structure, which gives greater weight to its own series such as F2 and F3.
That imbalance left Herta disadvantaged. IndyCar offers 40 points only to the series champion, while F2 awards the same total to each of the top three. Strong results that would have put him on the brink of eligibility in Europe weren’t enough in America.
Now, after finishing tenth in 2023, second in 2024 and seventh in 2025, Herta has built up 35 points in total. When one point from 2023 expires next year, he will enter the 2026 season on 34, just six short of the required total.
The path forward in Formula 2
In Formula 2, the top three finishers earn 40 points, with smaller allocations down to tenth place. That means Herta can secure his F1 eligibility simply by finishing eighth or higher in the championship. The goal is clear, and compared to the uphill battle in IndyCar, where he would need to finish sixth or better — it’s a far more attainable route.
By joining F2, Herta will also immerse himself in the European racing environment that feeds directly into F1. The championship’s demanding circuits, technical cars and FIA-run structure will give him valuable experience and visibility among the Formula 1 paddock.
One step closer to Formula 1
Herta’s decision to swap IndyCar for F2 marks both a risk and an opportunity. He leaves behind a proven reputation in America to test himself in a new discipline, all in pursuit of a lifelong goal. But with a clear target in sight, meaning an eighth-place finish or better, the move could finally open the door that has remained closed for too long.
If he succeeds, the American will meet every requirement to compete in Formula 1 for Cadillac’s 2026 debut season. After years of waiting, Colton Herta’s path to F1 is no longer blocked by rules or points, it’s defined by performance.
