Colton Herta’s Unconventional Path to Formula 1
In a shocking move, IndyCar driver Colton Herta has announced his departure from the series to pursue a career in Formula 1. The 25-year-old Californian, who has been a stalwart in IndyCar since his debut in 2018, will take a step back to compete in Formula 2 (F2) as a means to earn the necessary points to qualify for a Formula 1 superlicense.
Herta’s decision has sent shockwaves throughout the motorsport community, with many questioning the unconventional path he has chosen. However, the young driver is confident that this move will ultimately lead him to his goal of becoming a Cadillac F1 driver. As ESPN reports, Herta’s move is a “going-backward-to-go-forward” strategy that has never been seen in major league sports.
To understand the magnitude of Herta’s decision, consider the following: he has been one of the most recognizable stars in IndyCar, with nine victories to his credit, including the distinction of becoming IndyCar’s youngest winner at the age of 18. His face alone adorned the drivers’ section of the IndyCar media guide for 2025, a testament to his stature in the series. Yet, despite his impressive credentials, Herta is willing to take a step back to pursue his dream of competing in Formula 1.
According to IndyCar, Herta’s move is not without precedent. In the past, drivers have transitioned from IndyCar to Formula 1, but none have done so by taking a step back to compete in F2. Herta’s decision is a calculated risk, one that he hopes will pay off in the long run. As 1978 F1 world champion Mario Andretti told ESPN, “It’s now or never, and he knows that, and he’s willing to take that chance… That’s how important it is to him.”
Herta’s first test in F2 took place earlier this month in Abu Dhabi, where he spent three days getting accustomed to the car and the track. While he faced stiff competition from the younger drivers, Herta remains optimistic about his chances. “It was all about getting comfortable, and I am still pretty far from being super comfortable in the car,” he said. “It’s good first steps, it’s such an important three days for us, it’s important to maximize everything that we do here.”
However, Herta’s transition to F2 will not be without its challenges. The Pirelli-shod F2 cars are known to be delicate, and the tire-usage limitations can be unforgiving. As New York’s Max Esterson, who competed in F2 in 2025, explained, “The biggest change is the lack of useful laps… The way the tire works, at pretty much every track, you do an out lap and then a warmup lap and then a push lap, and then you have to cool the tires.” Esterson’s insights highlight the steep learning curve that Herta will face as he adapts to the F2 car.
Despite the challenges, Herta’s former Andretti teammate Pato O’Ward is rooting for him to succeed. O’Ward, who tests for the McLaren F1 team and leads its Arrow McLaren IndyCar program, believes that Herta’s move will not only benefit the young driver but also reflect positively on IndyCar as a whole. “I want him to do well,” O’Ward said. “Because this is definitely a risk that he’s taking, maybe not so much financially, but more of a personal risk… I hope he gets that Formula 1 seat that we all think he’s going to get, and when he gets there, hopefully he has that chance to actually show what we all know he can do and what we’ve seen in IndyCar.”
As Herta navigates the challenges of F2, he will be under intense scrutiny from fans and critics alike. His performance will not only reflect on him but also on IndyCar as a whole. However, with his talent, determination, and support from his peers, Herta is poised to make a strong impression in F2 and ultimately achieve his goal of becoming a Formula 1 driver.
What’s Next for Herta?
As the 2026 F2 season approaches, Herta will face stiff competition from a talented field of drivers. However, with his experience and skills, he is well-equipped to handle the challenges that lie ahead. According to FIA, the 2026 F2 season will feature a number of exciting changes, including a new car and updated regulations. Herta’s ability to adapt to these changes will be crucial to his success.
Ultimately, Herta’s decision to take a step back and compete in F2 is a testament to his dedication and passion for racing. As he embarks on this new chapter in his career, he will undoubtedly face challenges and setbacks, but with his talent and perseverance, he is poised to achieve great things. As the motorsport community watches with bated breath, one thing is certain: Colton Herta’s journey to Formula 1 will be one to remember.
