Colton Herta’s F2 team confirmed as Cadillac test driver aims to put himself in ‘best possible position’ for F1 chance

Colton Herta will represent the Hitech squad when he switches from IndyCar to F2 in 2026, it has been announced, with the American attempting to pave the way for his “ultimate ambition” of one day racing in F1.

Herta, who was announced as a test driver for the new Cadillac F1 Team last month, is an experienced competitor in the US-based IndyCar Series – scoring nine victories, 19 podium finishes and 16 pole positions since his debut in late-2018.

While Cadillac have confirmed Valtteri Bottas and Sergio Perez as their race drivers for their debut 2026 campaign and beyond, Herta has his sights set on a future seat by swapping the American racing scene for Europe and taking on the F2 feeder championship.

Now it has been revealed that Herta – set to gain valuable experience racing on the same tracks as F1 and using tyres supplied by Pirelli – will represent Hitech, who hold second in the 2025 Teams’ standings ahead of the final two rounds.

“I’m incredibly excited to be joining Hitech for the 2026 FIA Formula 2 season,” said Herta, 25. “This is a big shift in my career, and I’m ready for the challenge.

“I’ve loved my time in IndyCar and I’m proud of everything I achieved, but the opportunity to race in F2 – to compete on the Formula 1 calendar, against some of the best young drivers in the world – was one I couldn’t pass up.

“I’ve always worked to keep the door to F1 open, and this move is part of that ultimate ambition. I know it won’t be easy – learning the car, the tyres, the tracks – but I’m approaching this with determination, focus, and a lot of motivation.

“My goal is to compete at the front, continue developing as a driver, and put myself in the best possible position for a future in Formula 1.

“Hitech has an excellent reputation and a proven track record, and I’m confident it’s the right environment for me to develop and perform. I want to thank them for believing in me and providing the platform to make this step.”

Clive Hatton, Hitech’s FIA Formula 2 Team Manager, said: “We’re delighted to welcome Colton to the team for the 2026 Formula 2 season.

“He already brings a level of experience, professionalism, and talent that we’re typically used to nurturing in drivers as they progress through the junior categories.

“This is an exciting step for Colton, but also a challenging one. He’s stepping into a new racing environment that has very different formats, with high expectations, and a clear goal of progressing to F1.

“But his determination and commitment are impressive and we’re delighted to help maximise his potential during the 2026 season.”

Dan Towriss, CEO of TWG Motorsports and Cadillac Formula 1 Team said the move is the "important next step" for Herta as he chases his F1 dream.

“Colton has already shown exceptional talent and professionalism throughout his career," he said.

"His move into Formula 2 with Hitech is a natural and important next step in his development towards Formula 1. Competing in F2 will not only strengthen his racecraft in the European environment but also allow for greater integration with our team as he continues to support us with his testing and simulator duties.

"We are proud of Colton’s commitment to success in European racing, and we look forward to seeing him take on this exciting new challenge with Hitech – a team with a proven history of success in junior categories.”