--- title: "Colton Herta Takes Vital Step Toward Cadillac F1 Race Seat" date: "2025-10-21" modified: "2025-10-21" authors: - name: "Jerry Perez" job_title: "Deputy Editor" link: "https://www.thedrive.com/authors/jerry-perez" url: "https://www.thedrive.com/news/colton-herta-takes-vital-step-toward-cadillac-f1-race-seat" categories: - "F1" - "News" - "Racing" --- # Colton Herta Takes Vital Step Toward Cadillac F1 Race Seat ![INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - MAY 17: #26, Colton Herta, Andretti Global w/ Curb-Agajanian Honda, poses for qualifying photos during qualifying for the NTT IndyCar Series 109th Running of the Indianapolis 500 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway on May 17, 2025 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Geoff MIller/Lumen via Getty Images)]() *\Geoff Miller via Getty\* [Cadillac F1 Team]() test driver [Colton Herta]() will be racing with the respected Hitech Formula 2 come 2026, which should give him the experience and confidence necessary to compete on the global stage for the coming years. This move will immerse him in the European single-seater scene like never before, which is essential if he wants to race in [Formula 1]() eventually. Respect where respect is due. Herta is leaving a somewhat comfortable position in IndyCar to chase his dream of racing in F1. Thanks to several successful years in the American series and his great relationship with Andretti Global and the Towriss family, he quickly positioned himself within the Cadillac F1 organization—but that alone won't be enough to get him to the pinnacle of motor racing. ![INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - AUGUST 12: Colton Herta driver of the #26 Gainbridge Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing drivesduring the NTT IndyCar Series Gallagher Grand Prix at Indianapolis Motor Speedway on August 12, 2023 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Meg Oliphant/Getty Images)]() **Meg Oliphant via Getty Images* Meg Oliphant* The 25-year-old Californian will go from racing some of the world's best open-wheel racing drivers (several of them former F1 racers) at 230 mph and on a wide variety of circuits throughout the IndyCar season, to racing against young kids—some of them rising stars, others up-and-coming juniors, and a few of them talentless brats with billionaire daddies. Herta undoubtedly brings a treasure trove of experience behind the wheel that most of his competitors can only dream of, and a wealth of experience in the car set-up and development departments. Combine that with Sergio Perez and Valtteri Bottas' expertise, and it's looking pretty good for Cadillac's future. “I’m incredibly excited to officially be joining F2 for the 2026 Formula 2 season," said Herta. "This is an amazing opportunity to develop my skills in European racing and to measure myself against some of the best young drivers in the world. Racing on the same weekends as Formula 1 will give me first-hand experience of that environment and help me grow as part of the Cadillac F1 family. I’m very grateful to Cadillac and Hitech for their trust and support and I can’t wait to get started.” Herta is right to highlight one key bit: "Racing on the same weekends as Formula 1 will give me first-hand experience of that environment." I truly believe that's [half the battle of getting into F1 right there]()—well, besides having money and talent. But in all seriousness, that's the hurdle for most young American racers; they must choose whether to stay in North America and be virtually unknown to the rest of the world, or move to Europe at a very young age to have a shot at becoming a global racing star. There is no in between. ![INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - MAY 24: Colton Herta, driver of the #26 Gainbridge, drives during practice at Carb Day at Indianapolis Motor Speedway on May 24, 2024 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images)]() **Justin Casterline via Getty Images* Justin Casterline* At 25, Herta is already late to break into F1, something that's equally fascinating and depressing. For comparison, four-time world champion Max Verstappen is 28, while title contender Lando Norris is 25. Current championship leader, Oscar Piastri, is just 24 years old. The youngest driver on the grid is Kimi Antonelli, who is only 19. “Colton has already shown exceptional talent and professionalism throughout his career," said Dan Towriss, CEO of TWG Motorsports and Cadillac Formula 1 Team. "His move into Formula 2 with Hitech is a natural and important next step in his development towards Formula 1. Competing in F2 will not only strengthen his racecraft in the European environment but also allow for greater integration with our team as he continues to support us with his testing and simulator duties." Despite having his fair share of frustrating moments (and sometimes plain bad luck) through his IndyCar career, there were also many times when you got the feeling that Herta could've done more with better equipment, team, strategy, etc. This isn't to knock the Andretti crew, of course, but more to praise Herta, who oftentimes showed more promise than he could capitalize on. The next two years will be his opportunity to align all the pieces and begin building his dream racing career puzzle. Hopefully, the last piece goes on smoothly and paints a picture of [an F1 racing seat in 2027 or 2028](). *Got a tip? Email us at tips@thedrive.com* ## Author Jerry is responsible for upholding The Drive's ethos as an audience-first, enthusiast-driven car blog that serves up industry-leading news, reviews, culture, and motorsport coverage. Overseeing a staff of writers and editors from his home base in Indianapolis, he helps curate the site's daily rundown, as well as its medium- and long-term content strategies. Jerry joined The Drive in 2018 as a writer and worked as news editor and managing editor before becoming the deputy in 2023. As a lifelong car enthusiast and racing fan, Jerry believes that all cars are cool, but the people behind the machines are even cooler. This belief often gives The Drive a slightly different focus from most other car sites, where we explore the humanity behind the machines. When he's not obsessing over the day's biggest stories or hanging out at a race track, Jerry can be found behind the wheel of a car, most likely sharing a laugh with his teenage son or daughter. ### Author social links [Instagram]()