In a move that signals the seriousness of Cadillac’s Formula 1 ambitions, American racing star Colton Herta is making one of the most intriguing moves in recent motorsport history. The 25-year-old Californian is leaving a successful IndyCar career to join Hitech TGR for the 2026 FIA Formula 2 Championship, a decision that was officially announced this week.
This isn’t just a career shift; it’s a strategic play in the brand’s broader effort to establish a stronger American footprint in Formula 1.
How Does Colton Herta’s F2 Switch Fuel Cadillac’s Ambitious Formula 1 Vision?
Herta’s F2 debut comes after seven full seasons in IndyCar, where he collected 19 podium finishes and solidified himself as one of the most talented young drivers in the U.S. open-wheel scene. While leaving that success behind is a big step, this is not Herta’s first time competing in Europe. He earned his stripes overseas before rising through the American ranks, finishing third in the 2015 MSA Formula Championship and the 2016 Euroformula Open Championship.
Ultimately, Herta’s move to Formula 2 represents a strategic step toward Formula 1. The partnership between Hitech and Cadillac is central to this decision. Hitech’s F2 operation has long been a breeding ground for future F1 talent, with alumni including several current Grand Prix drivers.
For Cadillac, which continues to pursue its Formula 1 entry in collaboration with Andretti Global, having Herta gain F2 experience aligns with its high-stakes plan to integrate American talent into its future F1 structure. In addition to his F2 duties, Herta will continue his role as the Cadillac Formula 1 Team’s official test driver.
Herta said about the switch, “I’m incredibly excited to be joining Hitech for the 2026 FIA Formula 2 season. This is a big shift in my career, and I’m ready for the challenge. I’ve loved my time in IndyCar and I’m proud of everything I achieved, but the opportunity to race in F2 – to compete on the Formula 1 calendar, against some of the best young drivers in the world – was one I couldn’t pass up.”
“My goal is to compete at the front, continue developing as a driver, and put myself in the best possible position for a future in @F1” 🙌
The thoughts of both Colton and @HitechGP Team Manager, Clive Hatton 💬👇https://t.co/JLoDxhfLy7
— Formula 2 (@Formula2) October 21, 2025
He continued, “I’ve always worked to keep the door to F1 open, and this move is part of that ultimate ambition. I know it won’t be easy – learning the car, the tyres, the tracks – but I’m approaching this with determination, focus, and a lot of motivation. My goal is to compete at the front, continue developing as a driver, and put myself in the best possible position for a future in Formula 1.”
Herta’s dual role as an F2 competitor and an F1 test driver provides Cadillac with a unique bridge between development and real-world competition. This situation potentially positions the American manufacturer as a stronger contender when its F1 program becomes fully operational.
As the 2026 F2 season approaches, all eyes will be on Herta, not just as a rookie driver, but as the face of Cadillac’s ambitious motorsport vision.
