Discussions underway for possible Herta move to F2 in 2026

Colton Herta could possibly be on the transfer to Formulation 2 in 2026 so as to chase extra Tremendous License factors for a future Formulation 1 drive, RACER understands.

The IndyCar star races for TWG Motorsports-run Andretti and was linked with one of many Cadillac F1 seats, however any exterior likelihood of touchdown one was ended by his lack of an FIA Tremendous License. Supplied Kyle Kirkwood takes half in Sunday’s race in Nashville, Herta can end no greater than sixth on this yr’s IndyCar standings – which would depart him on 37 of the required 40 factors – and he may theoretically drop exterior the highest 10, for a three-year whole of 31.

As a step on the F1 feeder sequence ladder, F2 affords the required 40 factors to the highest three finishers within the championship, with double figures for the complete prime six. Of extra worth, the complete championship races on the F1 undercard, that includes race weekends at 14 of the 24 grand prix venues this yr, whereas it additionally makes use of high-degradation Pirelli tires.

Herta beforehand raced in Europe in 2015 and 2016, however has by no means competed within the official F1 feeder sequence of F2 or F3.

With Cadillac having dedicated to the skilled pairing of Sergio Perez and Valtteri Bottas for its debut season in F1, inserting nine-time IndyCar winner Herta in F2 would enable him an opportunity to realize additional data of the sequence and work intently with the crew, getting ready him for a future race seat if and when he secures a Tremendous License.

RACER has data of a number of groups in F2 being approached about the opportunity of operating Herta, however it’s not but clear if any discussions have materialized into an settlement. Andretti would want to safe a alternative for Herta in IndyCar earlier than sanctioning such a transfer, and Will Energy is believed to be among the many choices.

The exploration of a transfer to F2 for Herta tallies with feedback from TWG Motorsports CEO Dan Towriss in the course of the bulletins referring to Perez and Bottas at the beginning of this week, when he stated: “It is essential to us to verify there is a pathway for an American driver into Formulation 1, and we’ll be engaged on that”.

On the time, when instantly requested if he was contemplating inserting Herta in F2, Towriss replied: “No, that is not what we’re reporting immediately, no.”