Colton Herta Joins Hitech in Formula 2, Steps Closer to F1

Colton Herta is set to progress towards his Formula 1 aspirations by joining Hitech for the 2024 Formula 2 season. The announcement, made on Tuesday, marks a significant step in Herta’s career as he transitions from IndyCar racing to the European motorsport circuit. This move is particularly important for Herta, who has served as a driver for Andretti Global and now embraces this opportunity to earn the necessary super license points to qualify for F1.

Herta, a native of California, has been named the test driver for Cadillac, which is preparing for its inaugural season in Formula 1. Due to the absence of a super license, Herta will compete in Formula 2, where drivers can accumulate the highest number of super license points compared to other racing series. Hitech, the team he will join, has consistently performed well, winning races in each of its seasons since debuting in 2020.

The collaboration with Hitech provides Herta the chance to refine his skills and compete against some of the best emerging talent in motorsport. “This is an amazing opportunity to develop my skills in European racing and to measure myself against some of the best young drivers in the world,” Herta stated. He emphasized the value of racing on the same weekends as Formula 1, which will offer him crucial experience in that competitive environment.

Herta’s transition to Hitech is part of a broader strategy by Dan Towriss, the new owner of Andretti Global, which is now under the umbrella of TWG Motorsports, the parent company of Cadillac F1. Towriss aims to prepare Herta for a future in Formula 1 while he pursues his super license, positioning him as a potential representative for the United States in the global motorsport arena.

Hitech, based in Silverstone, is also engaged in a tight race for both championships in F2 this season, currently trailing the leader, Invicta, by just 12 points. The team’s driver, Luke Browning, is 27 points off the top in the drivers’ standings, with only two races remaining in the season.

“Colton has already shown exceptional talent and professionalism throughout his career,” Towriss remarked. He described Herta’s move to Hitech as a natural progression towards Formula 1, highlighting that competing in F2 will bolster his racecraft and facilitate a smoother integration with the Cadillac team.

Herta’s journey is closely watched, as he represents a significant hope for American motorsport fans yearning for a homegrown driver in Formula 1. The partnership with Hitech, along with his role at Cadillac, positions him well for this ambitious goal. As he prepares for the upcoming season, Herta’s commitment to success in European racing continues to resonate with both fans and industry stakeholders alike.