Colton Herta: "I want to fight for a chance in F1"

Since the first rumors taking Colton Herta from theIndyCar , F2, many voices have been heard, but ultimately few from the main person concerned! This has now been done in an interview with Racer magazine. Herta discusses in particular the last few months, where the outlines of his 2026 season have taken shape.

“I think the discussions started halfway through the 2025 IndyCar season. Things regarding the F1 were about to be announced. Dan (Towriss, team boss. Editor's note) offered me this opportunity to be a test driver and to immerse myself again in European motorsport.", said Herta, who notably rode in British F3 and in Euroformula Open.

Aware that he was reaching the end of his rope regarding the possibility of starting in Formula 1, knowing that he had reached a quarter of a century, the nine-time IndyCar race winner therefore decided to seize the opportunity to return to Europe and try to collect the Super Licence points he needed to be able to access Formula 1.

“As far as this decision goes, it’s about trying to get to F1, trying to become an F1 driver. I think at my age (25), this was really my last chance, my best chance, to be able to make it. There were a lot of discussions. It wasn’t an easy decision to make. Obviously, I’m leaving behind a lot of great people that I respect in IndyCar. It was a tough decision to make. But for me, I really want to fight for my chance in Formula 1. I really want to have the opportunity to be there. That’s always been my goal. I’ve always wanted to try to get to Formula 1. That’s how I look at it. This is my best chance.”

Colton Herta will therefore attempt to access Formula 1 through a season of F2 with the Hitech TGR team, alongside his role as a test driver in Formula 1 with Cadillac. The Californian is delighted to try his luck with an American team.

“I know Cadillac is very invested in this program and wants it to be successful. And they want it to work well. From some conversations I've had with representatives from Cadillac and General Motors, they're very excited about entering Formula 1. From what I've seen so far, the investment that's been made and how everything is going looks very promising. So I hope it all pays off. But for me, it's really cool to be an American aligned with a Formula 1 team that's truly American.”

Colton Herta is now preparing for a change of life, knowing that IndyCar will never be too far away if the European adventure turns into a lasting relationship rather than a flirtation...

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