Herta announces F2 transition in a 'bold' progression towards F1.

      "I'm sure Colton will get his opportunity."

      Colton Herta has acknowledged that he is taking a significant risk by departing from IndyCar to follow his Formula 1 aspirations with Cadillac. The 25-year-old American has already been named Cadillac’s test driver for their 2026 F1 entry and will compete in Formula 2 next season to accumulate the necessary Super License points he still needs. As reported by Auto Motor und Sport, he is likely to join Prema.

      Dan Towriss, co-owner of Cadillac and leader of the TWG Motorsports group behind the initiative, stated that Herta’s bold choice deserves admiration. "We already have two seasoned drivers in the cars," he noted, referring to Valtteri Bottas and Sergio Perez. "I’m sure Colton will have his opportunity. However, he must earn it. It's a daring move, and there are no guarantees. Now he can demonstrate that he belongs in Formula 1."

      Towriss continued, "We should applaud him for his readiness to make tough choices. When faced with a situation like this, it would be easy to say, 'I’m well-compensated, I’ll stay in IndyCar and attempt to achieve success there.' But he has chosen to take an unconventional route."

      Herta admitted that he struggled with his decision. "It was a tough choice because I understand what I'm giving up," he said. "I’m leaving a fantastic team and a highly competitive championship, where you can enjoy victories on a good day. That isn’t the case in Formula 1; you need the right car to compete at the front. So, it’s a risk for me, but I want to seize this opportunity."

      Towriss pointed out that while Formula 2 may appear to be a step down for Herta, a nine-time IndyCar race winner, it is a crucial one. "He will learn the tracks and the tyres, which are very important. It's quite different from IndyCar in that respect. I couldn't be more proud of Colton for being willing to take that risk to chase his dream."