Herta receives a debut 'C-minus' as his F2 start reveals shortcomings.
Colton Herta has given his first Formula 2 weekend a modest grade of "C-minus" as the American embarks on his ambitious journey towards Formula 1. The 25-year-old, who transitioned from a successful IndyCar career to seek an F1 seat with Cadillac, had a mixed entry in Melbourne, highlighting both the difficulties and the promise of his move.
During the sole practice session, Herta crashed, resulting in a red flag—a costly error in a series where track time is scarce, especially for newcomers. This put him "on the back foot" for the remainder of the weekend. The sprint race offered limited opportunities for improvement, as Herta finished in P16 due to challenges with tire management and track position.
However, the feature race presented a more positive outlook. He advanced through the field to secure a P7 finish, earning six points and demonstrating composure in tumultuous conditions. Overall, he currently holds P10 in the standings after the first round—a modest yet steady start under the circumstances.
Herta expressed dissatisfaction with his performance, deeming the weekend "unsatisfactory" and rating it a "C-minus," which reflects both his high aspirations and the significant adjustment needed. The transition to F2 signifies a considerable change in driving style, with Herta acknowledging that he is essentially relearning essential techniques. "It’s the whole thing," he remarked about the differences from IndyCar. "The geometry of the car, how it generates downforce, and how it produces power. There are many different changes occurring in my driving style."
Nevertheless, Cadillac remains optimistic. Team CEO Dan Towriss mentioned that the feedback from Hitech has been favorable, particularly regarding Herta’s mentality. "People have been praising Colton’s maturity—his work ethic, approach, adaptability, and how quickly he learns," he stated. Cadillac F1 ambassador Mario Andretti has also observed that Cadillac’s current race drivers, Valtteri Bottas and Sergio Perez, have appeared somewhat "rusty" at the start of the season.
For Herta, the objective is clear: "I need to perform well in F2—that’s my main focus this year."
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