Photo: IndyCar / Joe Skibinski
Hitech GP has signed IndyCar star Colton Herta to drive for its Formula 2 squad next year.
Last month Herta was named as the test driver for the new-for-2026 Cadillac Formula 1 team, which meant his IndyCar career would come to an end, and its CEO Dan Towriss announced on the Off Track podcast that Herta would race in F2.
That move has now been confirmed by the 25-year-old American joining Hitech, and comes a few days after its founder Oliver Oakes ceded control of the team to a new Chinese investor.
“I’m incredibly excited to be joining Hitech for the 2026 FIA F2 season. This is a big shift in my career, and I’m ready for the challenge,” said Herta.
“I’ve loved my time in IndyCar and I’m proud of everything I achieved, but the opportunity to race in F2 – to compete on the F1 calendar, against some of the best young drivers in the world – was one I couldn’t pass up.”
Since making his top-tier single-seater debut at the end of the 2018 season, Herta has gone on to win nine races, claimed 11 other podiums, 16 poles, was championship runner-up in 2024 and holds the record as the youngest-ever winner and pole-sitter in IndyCar.
In sportscars he has claimed two class wins in IMSA’s Daytona 24 Hours race and won the 2024 Sebring 12 Hours outright.
“I’ve always worked to keep the door to F1 open, and this move is part of that ultimate ambition,” Herta added.
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 F1.”
“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.”
During his junior single-seater career, Herta came third in British Formula 4 and Euroformula, then was Indy Nxt runner-up upon returning to the America racing scene.
Clive Hatton, Hitech’s F2 team manager, commented: “We’re delighted to welcome Colton to the team for the 2026 F2 season. He already brings a level of experience, professionalism, and talent that we’re typically used to nurturing in drivers as they progress through the junior categories.”
“This is an exciting step for Colton, but also a challenging one. He’s stepping into a new racing environment that has very different formats, with high expectations, and a clear goal of progressing to F1. But his determination and commitment are impressive and we’re delighted to help maximise his potential during the 2026 season.”