IndyCar star and Cadillac F1 reserve driver Colton Herta will join the 2026 Formula 2 season with Hitech Grand Prix. It’s a rare move for an American driver with F1 ambitions, but what happens if it doesn’t go as planned?
In this episode of the Inside Line F1 Podcast, Soumil Arora and Kunal Shah debate how Herta’s potential failure in F2 could affect IndyCar’s reputation, the FIA Super Licence debate, and whether IndyCar stars deserve direct access to Formula 1 — just like F1 drivers get to race in IndyCar.
The conversation goes beyond one driver. It’s about how the global motorsport ladder treats talent from outside Europe. Herta’s F2 stint represents an important cultural crossover — Cadillac’s respect for the European route and IndyCar’s growing desire for international legitimacy.
Why is Colton Herta racing in Formula 2 with Hitech?
Colton Herta is joining the F2 grid with Hitech Grand Prix in 2026 to gain FIA Super Licence points and experience European racing culture before making a Formula 1 debut with Cadillac F1 Team.
What if Colton Herta fails in Formula 2?
If Herta fails to perform in Formula 2, it could set back IndyCar drivers’ chances of entering Formula 1 and reinforce doubts about the competitiveness of American open-wheel racing.
Has any IndyCar driver transitioned successfully to Formula 1 recently?
Few have tried in recent years. While drivers like Alexander Rossi had short F1 stints, IndyCar remains a separate ecosystem. Herta’s move is being closely watched to bridge the gap.
What does this mean for Cadillac’s Formula 1 ambitions?
Cadillac is investing heavily in F1 with Andretti Global. Supporting Herta’s F2 campaign shows their commitment to building talent from within before entering F1 competitively.
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