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Colton Herta set for 2026 Formula 2 move following Cadillac appointment
IndyCar race winner Colton Herta will make a surprise move to Formula 2 in 2026 alongside his newly confirmed role as test and development driver for Cadillac's upcoming Formula 1 entry.
By Michael de Vries - 2025-09-04T11:07:51.000Z - 2 min read
IndyCar race winner Colton Herta is set to make a high-profile move into Formula 2 for the 2026 season, placing the American driver directly into the primary Formula 1 feeder championship. The plan was confirmed by Cadillac Formula 1 team chief executive officer Dan Towriss following the confirmation of Herta's new role as test and development driver for the incoming grand prix squad.
The decision arrives as Cadillac builds out its personnel structure ahead of its inaugural Formula 1 campaign. To lead its race effort on track, the new American entrant has signed seasoned Formula 1 veterans Sergio Perez and Valtteri Bottas, establishing an experienced lineup while creating a dedicated pipeline path for domestic talent underneath.
Herta's transition to European single-seater racing reflects Cadillac's stated ambition to create a clear pathway for American drivers reaching toward the top tier. By placing the nine-time IndyCar race winner into Formula 2, the organization aims to give Herta extensive mileage across European grand prix circuits and familiarise him with the specific demands of the FIA single-seater pyramid.
Despite the high-level confirmation from Towriss, several critical details of the program remain unconfirmed. Cadillac has not yet identified which Formula 2 team Herta will race for in 2026, leaving his team placement open as negotiations and seat allocations continue across the paddock.
Additional questions also remain regarding the precise scope of Herta's Formula 2 program and how his testing duties with Cadillac will be integrated alongside his racing schedule. Details regarding his transition from North American racing commitments and the exact timeline for his initial F2 track tests are also awaiting formal confirmation.
With nine victories in IndyCar, Herta brings proven race-winning pedigree to a championship traditionally dominated by drivers ascending directly through Formula 3. Moving from a top-tier North American series into Formula 2 represents a rare step for an established race winner, but one tailored to align his credentials with the European racing environment.
While Perez and Bottas handle primary racing duties for Cadillac's debut F1 season, Herta's dual mandate as development driver and F2 competitor positions him as the cornerstone of the brand's long-term driver strategy. Further announcements regarding his team assignment and pre-season preparation schedule are expected as the 2026 grid takes shape.