New Cadillac test driver Colton Herta has made the decision to leave IndyCar in order to transition to the Formula 2 grid next season, a move that has been officially confirmed. Herta is aiming to acquire the necessary FIA superlicence points that would enable him to compete in Formula 1 in the future.
For some time, Herta has been associated with the Cadillac project, which originated as the official initiative of American motorsport team Andretti Global for their F1 expansion strategy. TWG Motorsports, the owners of AG, also manage the Cadillac F1 team, set to become the 11th team in the sport from the upcoming season.
Valtteri Bottas and Sergio Perez have already been enlisted as the initial racing drivers for Cadillac, and now Herta has been announced as their designated test driver, although he did not achieve the required points in the IndyCar championship this season for a superlicence in F1.
It has been evident from the outset that Cadillac’s leadership intends to field an American driver, with Herta being strongly linked to the role. To assist the 25-year-old in obtaining the needed superlicence, Cadillac has arranged for him to secure a spot on the Formula 2 grid next year.
TWG CEO Dan Towriss expressed his support for Herta’s decision, emphasizing the risks involved in pursuing his Formula 1 aspirations through the test driver role in F2. The current FIA system favors accumulating superlicence points in F2 over IndyCar, despite the latter being a premier single-seater series in North America.
Herta’s potential inclusion in the F1 grid was hindered in 2022 due to the lack of a superlicence. Red Bull had identified him as a top candidate for their junior team, but the FIA declined their request for an exemption.
While Towriss did not provide specifics on Herta’s future, he hinted at a possible race seat by 2027 if he performs well in F2, emphasizing the need for Herta to earn his place through merit and hard work.
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Herta’s appointment as a test driver follows Mick Schumacher declining the position, opting for a different opportunity. The German driver turned down a dual role offer and is now anticipated to join McLaren for their entry into WEC starting in 2027.