Herta's F2 performance falls short of goals

Colton Herta's Formula 2 campaign has not met expectations, prompting Cadillac to consider other American candidates for a reserve position and potentially a full-time role in Formula 1. The American constructor aims to have a compatriot in Grand Prix races to emphasize its identity. Herta, a star in the IndyCar series in the USA, left the North American championship to pursue closer ties to Formula 1 with Cadillac.

Herta's results disappoint in 2026 season

With two races remaining in the 2026 season, Herta's results have fallen short of initial objectives. Bruno Michel, CEO of Formula 2, acknowledges that the driver's adaptation difficulties were largely underestimated. After signing as a test driver with Cadillac, Herta joined Hitech in F2 to gain experience in European championships and accumulate points for his FIA Super Licence. However, his performance has been disappointing, with only 19th place in the championship and no podiums.

Herta's future remains uncertain

Herta has participated in several free practice sessions with Cadillac in Formula 1, with a fourth appearance planned. His future remains uncertain, though he does not rule out a second season in F2. Michel admits to being surprised by the difficulties Herta faced, though he does not question the driver's abilities. "It was more difficult than I thought, because Colton is a very good driver. There is no doubt about that," Michel said.

Qualifying challenges in F2

Michel notes that the main obstacle for Herta has been the qualifications, which differ significantly from IndyCar. In Formula 2, drivers have limited time to exploit their tires and perform a fast lap. "He has done some good races. He encountered more difficulties in qualifying, because you have to be able, in 30 minutes, to immediately make the right time," Michel explained.

Diverse paths in Formula 2

Michel considers Herta's choice to be courageous and highlights the interest in welcoming drivers from other disciplines. He cites Ritomo Miyata, who transitioned from Japanese racing to F2, and Nicolas Varrone, who came from endurance racing, as examples of atypical paths that add diversity to the championship.

Herta's approach praised but challenging

Michel praised Herta's approach, stating, "I found Colton's approach very interesting, because he had a lot of success in IndyCar, won races and was very close to the title. Coming to Formula 2 represented an important and very different step. It is difficult because he comes from a very different environment. But I think it is very important for drivers who want, in the long term, to join Formula 1."

Herta's remaining races in F2

Herta still has the races in Qatar and Abu Dhabi to improve his record. His future could continue in Formula 2, with Cadillac in F1, or return to the United States in IndyCar or IMSA. For now, his ambition to access the Grand Prix seems to have significantly receded.

Potential replacements for Cadillac

If Herta ultimately gives up at 26, several young American drivers could follow him in a junior program for Cadillac. Ugo Ugochukwu, crowned FIA Formula 3 champion and promoted to F2 with Campos next year with Red Bull's support, is a promising candidate. He could be selected by Cadillac for the sessions reserved for rookies in EL1.

Other young American drivers in contention

Other candidates include Aston Martin's reserve driver Jak Crawford (21 years old) and James Egozi (18 years old), who won the Eurocup-3 with Palou Motorsport in Red Bull colors and will debut in Formula 3 in 2027 with LN Fusion, the team launched by Lando Norris with former Prema drivers.

Rising star linked to Cadillac

Sebastian Wheldon (17 years old), who has excelled in Formula Regional and will join FIA F3 next year with Trident, is also a rising star. As the son of the late Dan Wheldon, Wheldon is the protégé of Andretti Global, which is linked to Cadillac F1 through Dan Towriss, head of TWG Group.