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Cadillac Assesses Colton Herta's 'Tricky' F2 Debut Amid F1 Ambitions
Cadillac's team principal Graeme Lowdon acknowledges a challenging start to IndyCar frontrunner Colton Herta's Formula 2 season, emphasizing a learning process as he pursues his Formula 1 goal.
By Michael de Vries - 2026-06-05T17:23:26.000Z - 2 min read
Colton Herta’s introduction to Formula 2 has presented its share of difficulties, an observation affirmed by Cadillac Formula 1 team principal Graeme Lowdon. The American driver, who made a surprising switch to the feeder series for the 2026 season, is currently navigating what Lowdon describes as a ‘tricky’ debut campaign.
Herta arrived in F2 as a prominent figure from the IndyCar scene, known for his front-running performances across the Atlantic. His transition was not merely a change of championships but a strategic move aimed squarely at realizing his long-held ambition of competing in Formula 1.
Cadillac has played a pivotal role in this journey, stepping in to support Herta by offering him a position as a test and development driver. This backing has been crucial, providing a pathway and essential resources for the driver as he adapts to the distinct demands of the F2 machinery and race format.
Lowdon articulated the team's measured expectations for Herta's initial foray, remarking that there was never an anticipation he would immediately dominate the field. This perspective underlines a pragmatic view of the steep learning curve involved in transitioning from a different single-seater discipline to the competitive F2 grid.
Despite the acknowledged challenges, the Cadillac principal maintained a positive outlook on Herta's progress. He highlighted that Herta is actively 'learning an awful lot' and steadily 'ticking off the objectives' laid out for his development. This indicates that the team views his current period in F2 as a structured and deliberate growth phase.
The overarching goal for Herta throughout this F2 tenure remains clear: to accumulate significant experience within the Formula 1 support category. This foundational learning is considered essential for his ultimate aspiration to move into the pinnacle of motorsport.
His adaptation is being closely monitored, with Lowdon's comments suggesting that the 'tricky' nature of his debut is not a cause for alarm but rather an expected part of the developmental journey for a driver aiming for the highest echelons of racing.