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Colton Herta risks career with 2026 F2 move to target 2027 Cadillac seat
Proven professional racer Colton Herta will step back to Formula 2 in 2026 as a Cadillac F1 test driver in what he calls his final attempt to reach Formula 1.
By Lesley Bakker - 2025-09-05T07:00:02.000Z - 2 min read
Colton Herta is taking an unprecedented step toward securing a place on the Formula 1 grid by committing to a full Formula 2 campaign in 2026. The move comes alongside his appointment as a test and development driver for the Cadillac Formula 1 team, establishing a direct bridge between his junior single-seater commitments and a potential grand prix future.
Stepping back into junior formulae marks a stark departure from the typical trajectory of a proven professional racer. Rather than remaining in established professional series, Herta is willingly stepping down into the principal feeder category to prove his capabilities in the immediate shadow of the grand prix paddock.
The primary catalyst for this shift is the opportunity with Cadillac. Under his new contract, Herta will conduct simulator work and development duties for the American manufacturer while maintaining sharp racing instincts on the Formula 2 grid. That dual role is designed to keep him in prime position as Cadillac evaluates candidates for a full-time race seat in 2027.
Competing at Formula 1 events has been a long-standing career objective for Herta. Acknowledging the scale of the commitment, he regards the upcoming 2026 season as his absolute last shot at reaching the summit of single-seater motorsport. Achieving that ambition requires setting aside established professional comfort to embrace the fierce scrutiny of junior category racing.
The transition carries unavoidable risk for an established driver. Stepping into Formula 2 exposes Herta to direct comparison with junior drivers fighting for their own progression, leaving zero margin for error. A strong campaign can solidify his claim to a 2027 seat, while any shortcomings would be highlighted under the intense spotlight of the paddock.
By taking on this challenge, Herta is effectively placing his professional standing on the line. The commitment demonstrates how far he is willing to go to keep his grand prix aspirations alive, choosing an aggressive, active path over passive role expectations or reserve driver duties.
With a potential 2027 drive hanging in the balance, Herta’s 2026 campaign promises to be one of the most compelling narratives in the junior ranks. Every session will serve as a live evaluation of his readiness for Formula 1, making his high-stakes gamble a defining moment of his racing career.