Pato O'Ward: Herta deserves a place in Formula 1

      Next year IndyCar star Colton Herta will combine the role of reserve driver for Cadillac F1 with racing in Formula 2 for Hitech. His colleague, Arrow McLaren IndyCar driver Pato O'Ward, has no doubt that Herta already has guarantees for a full-time Formula 1 seat in 2027.

      Pato O'Ward: "Colton is very talented. He was a great rival in IndyCar, and I wish him all the best in Europe. I'd be surprised if I don't see him as one of the regular Formula 1 drivers in 2027. I don't think he would have made this move without having the necessary assurances. Everyone supports him; everyone expects Herta to have a successful season in Formula 2 and to move up to Formula 1.

      It won't be easy for him in Europe. Formula 2 uses completely different tyres than IndyCar, and the car is worse too — he won't have the same technical feel on track that he's used to here. As I said, I'd be very surprised if I found out he was doing this just for the sake of it. I hope this work won't be in vain, and that in the end he ends up in Formula 1, which he truly deserves."