F2 CEO Reveals Competition for Colton Herta’s Services
Bruno Michel, the CEO of F2, disclosed that there was considerable competition within the F1 support paddock to secure Colton Herta for the upcoming 2026 season, where he will drive for Hitech TGR.
Herta, a nine-time IndyCar race winner, has struggled to accumulate the FIA super licence points necessary for F1. Consequently, he is opting to compete in the junior series, which offers a pathway to acquire more of these essential points.
The highly regarded American driver’s debut in F2 has sparked significant interest as he seeks to navigate this new chapter in his career. Alongside his F2 commitment, Herta has also joined Cadillac F1 as their development driver, aiming for a full-time race seat in the near future.
To achieve the required 40 super licence points for F1, Herta needs to secure six additional points, which he can do by finishing eighth in this year’s F2 standings. Recent changes to super licence criteria in IndyCar indicate that he would also need a similar eighth-place finish there.
Despite this, moving to F2 remains advantageous, as it provides him with valuable experience on Pirelli tires, which are used in F1, and brings him closer to the F1 paddock, essential for his development.
Michel emphasized that Herta’s profile is a major story for F2, highlighting there was a healthy competition among teams for his signing. He noted the positive reception of Herta’s arrival and its potential benefits for the series’ visibility, especially in the American market.
Notably, while the competitive landscape in F2 features both experienced and rookie drivers, Michel expressed keen interest in observing how Herta adapts to this new environment, given his unique background compared to others in the series.
A Promising Move for F2, Herta, and Cadillac
Rumors of Herta’s transition from IndyCar to F2 circulated during the summer before being confirmed in the fall. This strategic shift aligns with Cadillac’s preparation for Herta’s future in F1.
The only obstacles now for Herta are the existing multi-year contracts of Valtteri Bottas and Sergio Perez with Cadillac. Michel noted that he had been informed early on about Cadillac’s plans for Herta, viewing it as a mutually beneficial arrangement.
Following discussions with Cadillac’s management, Michel was enthusiastic about Herta’s move and encouraged him to start testing with the team as soon as possible, including participation in post-season testing.
Herta took part in a three-day test at Yas Marina Circuit, yielding positions P17, P16, and P14, which allowed him to gain critical experience as he prepares for the upcoming season.
While it would have been ideal for him to participate in additional races this year, logistical constraints made this unfeasible. Nevertheless, Michel confirmed that Herta is currently testing old GP2 cars on European tracks, which is permitted while he is not officially competing.
