https://shop.fervogear.com/cart
Colton Herta Battles F2 Challenges to Keep F1 Dream Alive
Highlights
- Colton Herta targets F1 after tough first FIA F2 season.
- Herta earned 26 points, best finish fifth in Barcelona sprint.
- Participated in Cadillac F1 FP1 sessions at multiple races.
- Currently holds 38 superlicence points, with some set to drop.
- No confirmed 2027 plans; waiting on Cadillac’s decision.
- Herta emphasizes determination despite lack of F2 progression.
Colton Herta remains fixed on Formula 1 after a bruising 2026 FIA Formula 2 rookie year, scoring 26 points with a best of fifth in Barcelona’s sprint.
The American switched from IndyCar to Hitech to learn Pirelli tyres and European circuits. He has ruled out a second F2 season in 2027.
Alongside F2, Herta has completed FP1 sessions for the Cadillac Formula 1 team at Barcelona, Hungary, and Italy, with Austin likely to follow.
Those outings deepen his F1 familiarity but do not resolve the superlicence question that ultimately governs eligibility.
Herta sits on 38 superlicence points, accumulated from 2023–2025 IndyCar finishes and FP1 participation, leaving him short of the required 40 under the FIA’s rolling system.
Herta holds 38 superlicence points, with key scores expiring before 2028.
One point from his 2023 IndyCar 10th place drops when 2024 applies, and the 30 points for 2024 runner-up status fall away by the end of 2027.
That timing compresses his options. He either delivers in a high-value series soon or leans into reserve and test roles to stay relevant.
Herta describes his F2 year as featuring “zero progression,” adding that a visible upward trend would have justified another campaign.
He describes his F2 season as “zero progression” despite extensive effort.
He shows strong pace in simulation and Testing of Previous Cars days, yet that preparation has not translated into qualifying execution or tyre-life management on F2 weekends.
The Hitech package demands precise tyre preparation and track-position discipline, areas that often punish rookies on aggressive street and hybrid layouts across the calendar.
Compressed weekends like the Baku F2 time schedule amplify those margins and punish misreads on out-laps and peak grip.
He awaits clarity on Cadillac’s 2027 pathway before committing. As he stresses, Herta’s F1 ambitions remain the central driver of his choices.
No confirmed 2027 programme; decision hinges on Cadillac’s driver pathway.
For now, FP1 mileage and TPC running keep him relevant while he searches for results that convert promise into the final superlicence points he needs.
Visual Summary
Colton Herta is climbing,
but F1 remains just out of reach
-1
Superlicence Points: 38
F2 Best: 5th place (Barcelona sprint)
Must reach 40 pts by 2027
“If results showed improvement, coming back to F2 might seem more appealing…
I still believe I have a chance for F1.”
I still believe I have a chance for F1.”
Herta’s F1 dream is alive, but the clock is ticking.
Every point (and every year) counts.
Every point (and every year) counts.
Brian Thompson focuses on IndyCar Series news, from qualifying speeds at Indianapolis Motor Speedway to street-course race strategy. He delivers concise feature stories and technical breakdowns on chassis setups, tire choices, and championship standings for open-wheel enthusiasts.
