IndyCar ace completes first Formula 2 test

15:45, 03 Nov

Updated: 17:31, 03 Nov

byDrew Murphy

Colton Herta has completed his first test of a Formula 2 car, to prepare for his first season in the series.

“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."

- Colton Herta

Making his F2 debut in 2026, Herta will also hold the role of third driver for the new Cadillac F1 team.

He has been pictured driving in the Keteyama-organised tests in Monza, and set the fastest time on the first day, finishing more than 4 tenths ahead of anyone else.

Two weeks ago, it was announced that the American driver will swap IndyCar for F2 to represent the Hitech squad.

Who is Colton Herta?

Since his IndyCar debut in 2018, the 25-year-old has achieved nine victories, 19 podium finishes and 16 pole positions.

He is the son of former IndyCar driver Bryan Herta, and Colton is the youngest person ever to win an IndyCar series race, aged 18-years-old.

The American team announced Valtteri Bottas and Sergio Perez as their race drivers for 2026.

Herta joins Hitech, who currently sit second in the 2025 Teams’ standings ahead of the final two rounds.

He revealed to Formula 1's website: “I’m incredibly excited to be joining Hitech for the 2026 FIA Formula 2 season.

“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 and 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.”

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