Herta receives suggestion for F1 goal: 'That's far better in preparation'

21:56, 14 Sep

Updated: 22:07, 14 Sep

byOlly Darcy

Colton Herta is set to make his F2 debut next season as a Cadillac test driver. Haas driver Oliver Bearman however believes the latter could help the American more in his bid for F1.

The level is very high in IndyCar, but to see him come to Europe and see how he gets on is going to be really nice.

- Oliver Bearman on Colton Herta

Colton Herta on a track walk with Lando Norris at the Miami Grand Prix | Photo: Race Pictures

Herta has been linked with F1 for many years after he was signed to McLaren in 2022 as a development driver, working alongside Norris during his time with the British team.

"I didn't realise he was actually racing [in F2]," Bearman then reacted in a question from GPblog.

"I saw that he was a test driver. I didn't realise he was gonna race. That's interesting, really interesting.

"Of course, the level is very high in IndyCar, but to see him come to Europe and see how he gets on is going to be really nice."

However, when asked if F1 testing or F2 were better preparation techniques for the world of F1, Bearman's answer was clear: "F1 testing, by far and away. No doubt about that."

Talking to GPblog, Lando Norris also talked about the driver he previously worked with.

"I mean, it's tricky. It's probably not difficult for him because he's good at jumping into all different types of cars," the Brit explained to GPblog about Herta's move from IndyCar to F2.

"That's something he's done his whole life. He's an extremely talented driver and a guy I enjoyed a lot growing up with in 2015, I think it was. I think he's skilled enough to jump into anything and be quick.

He also added Herta is easily good enough to make his way to Formula 1. Gabriel Bortoleto also gave the American a nod.

Herta makes European return

After Vatteri Bottas and Sergio Perez were announced as Cadillac's drivers for next year, the 25-year-old was announced as the reserve driver for the American team, while also taking part in the 2026 Formula 2 campaign.

Herta, after racing for Cadillac and Andretti Autosport in IndyCar since 2021, was announced as Cadillac's reserve driver, with Valtteri Bottas and Sergio Perez making up their driver lineup.

The 25-year-old was then announced as being an F2 driver for next year, returning to a European racing series after competing in British F3 before moving to Euroformula Open, finishing third overall with four wins, six podiums, and five pole positions.

In 2022, after being signed by McLaren, Red Bull showed interest in bringing in Herta to AlphaTauri. However, he lacked the super license points needed to move to F1. He is not now make his switch from IndyCar to the competition's feeder series, F2.