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F2 Practice Format Challenges Cadillac F1 Test Driver Herta
Racing in Formula 2 for Hitech, Cadillac F1 test driver Colton Herta has identified the championship's tightly controlled practice sessions as a substantial adaptation from his background in IndyCar.
By Michael de Vries - 2026-05-02T19:35:28.000Z - 2 min read
American racer Colton Herta has highlighted the rigorous practice schedule within the Formula 2 championship as a significant point of adjustment. Now competing with Hitech, the 26-year-old also holds a test driver position with Cadillac’s Formula 1 efforts, making his adaptation to the F1 feeder series a closely watched development.
This observation comes as Herta navigates the distinct demands of the F2 environment. He described the heavily restricted format for track sessions as a "wake-up call," a frank assessment of the shift required for drivers moving into this highly competitive European ladder series. The limited preparation time challenges competitors to maximize every minute on circuit.
Herta’s move to Formula 2 follows a successful career in the IndyCar Series, a championship he chose to leave behind to pursue his long-held ambition of reaching Formula 1. His decision, made at 26 years old, underscored a clear commitment to an F1 future, pivoting his career trajectory towards Europe’s premier junior category.
The pursuit of a European single-seater career has been part of Herta's plan since his youth. As the son of former IndyCar racer and team owner Bryan Herta, motorsport was an inherent part of his upbringing. He ventured across the Atlantic at 15 to compete in the MSA Formula championship, now known as British F4, where he secured third place overall in a season that saw Lando Norris claim his inaugural junior title.
That early foray laid the groundwork for his current efforts. While Herta built a prominent reputation in North American open-wheel racing, the foundational experiences in British junior categories established his comfort with European circuits and machinery. Now with Hitech, he aims to translate that blend of experience into competitive F2 performances.
Successfully mastering the condensed practice windows and rapid setup changes inherent to Formula 2 is crucial for any driver aspiring to Formula 1. Herta’s candid reflection on this aspect points to an ongoing learning curve, demonstrating the specific challenges faced by drivers even with extensive professional racing backgrounds when they enter F2. His ability to swiftly adapt will be key to his progress on the demanding path to F1.