Colton Herta’s Formula 2 Move With Cadillac
Californian driver Colton Herta has attempted to turn a seven-year IndyCar career into a route to Formula 1 by returning to Europe in 2026. The 26-year-old previously competed in junior formulae in 2015 and 2016 before establishing himself as a frontrunner in IndyCar, described as America’s premier single-seater series.
Herta’s European return was driven by his ambition to reach Formula 1. He secured a test and development role with Cadillac’s nascent F1 team, with mastering Formula 2 identified as an important part of his preparation for a potential move into the world championship.
The first season has not gone according to plan. Herta sits 19th in the Formula 2 drivers’ standings, and his performance has deteriorated as the year has progressed. He has been unable to explain the decline, while a series of crashes has compounded his difficulties and limited his ability to build momentum.
Bruno Michel on the IndyCar-to-Formula 2 Gap
Formula 2 CEO Bruno Michel said Colton Herta “maybe underestimated the difference” between the Formula 1 feeder series and IndyCar. The Frenchman nevertheless maintains that Herta is a highly capable driver whose results have been affected by his unfamiliarity with the Formula 2 environment.
Michel commented:
“It’s been more difficult than what I thought it was going to be, because Colton is a very strong driver, there’s no doubt about that,”
He continued:
“He and we maybe underestimated the difference of working environment that we had compared to IndyCar teams, but I don’t think it has to be settled as an example, and I really hope that he’s going to finish the season in a high. We’re still hoping for that.”
Why Qualifying and Limited Track Time Have Challenged Herta
Michel pointed to Formula 2’s compressed weekend format as a possible explanation for Herta’s inconsistency. Drivers receive only 45 minutes of free practice and 30 minutes of qualifying before a two-race weekend, leaving little time to establish the right rhythm and find a competitive setup.
According to Michel, Herta has also produced strong performances in some races but encountered greater difficulties in qualifying. The short qualifying window permits only two flying laps on each set of tyres, with very limited track time available to optimize the runs.
Michel said:
“He had some good races as well, he had more difficulties in quali, and maybe also that’s one of the limits that we were having, because in 30 minutes you come up with the right timing [for your runs], you have two flying laps on sets of tyres on which you have very limited track time,”
He added:
“That’s also the way we prepare drivers for Formula 1, because you know in Formula 1 that you have limited track time as well.
“So, probably he struggled for that and he suffered from that a bit more than what he expected. Now I really hope, sincerely, that he’s going to finish the season on a high – he deserves it.”
Qatar and Abu Dhabi Create End-of-Season Uncertainty
Herta was already uncertain whether he would receive enough opportunities to finish his Formula 2 campaign strongly. The Qatar and Abu Dhabi rounds were considered to be at risk because of the Iran war, creating additional uncertainty over how many races he could still contest.
Michel, however, moved to reassure Herta and the team that the schedule remains intact, reaffirming that the events “will not be cancelled”. The remaining rounds therefore represent Herta’s opportunity to improve his position after a season affected by crashes, inconsistent performances and difficulties in qualifying.
Colton Herta’s Formula 2 Future
The Hitech driver has made clear that he has “no interest” in returning for a second Formula 2 season. However, Herta has not ruled out another campaign if that is what Cadillac wants for him, leaving his next steps dependent on the team’s assessment of his progress and the conclusion of the current season.
Why This Matters
Herta’s season is central to Cadillac’s Formula 1 preparations. His test and development role with the team was designed to accompany a progression through Formula 2, where the aim is to prepare him for a potential F1 graduation. His 19th-place position and declining form therefore present a significant obstacle to that objective.
Michel’s assessment also places Herta’s difficulties within the broader demands of single-seater racing. Formula 2’s restricted practice and qualifying time create a steep adjustment for a driver arriving from IndyCar, while also serving as preparation for Formula 1’s similarly limited track time. The Qatar and Abu Dhabi rounds offer a late opportunity for improvement, although Herta’s lack of interest in a second F2 season means Cadillac’s plans and the outcome of his remaining races could shape what comes next.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Colton Herta competing in Formula 2?
Herta moved to Europe in 2026 to pursue his Formula 1 ambition after seven years as an IndyCar frontrunner and earlier campaigns in junior formulae. His Formula 2 program is tied to his test and development role with Cadillac and is intended to prepare him for a potential move to F1.
What has made Formula 2 difficult for Colton Herta?
Herta has struggled with qualifying, form and several crashes. Bruno Michel believes the adjustment from IndyCar has been greater than expected, particularly because Formula 2 gives drivers only 45 minutes of practice and 30 minutes of qualifying before two races, with very little track time for finding the right setup and timing.
Will the Qatar and Abu Dhabi Formula 2 rounds take place?
Although the rounds were considered at risk because of the Iran war, Bruno Michel said they “will not be cancelled”. Their continuation could give Herta further opportunities to improve his 19th-place position before the season ends.
