Formula 1 championship leader Oscar Piastri has thrown his support behind Cadillac test driver Colton Herta’s bold move to transition from IndyCar to Formula 2, emphasizing the critical role of competing in the junior series on Grand Prix weekends as a stepping stone to a potential F1 race seat.
Herta is committing to a full F2 campaign in 2026, a decision aimed at gaining crucial experience on European circuits and adapting to Pirelli tyres, with an eye on a potential F1 seat in 2027.
Piastri, who carved his own path to F1 through a demanding junior career, underscored the unique benefits of racing on the F1 undercard.
The Value of F2’s Grand Prix Stage
“I mean, both have kind of different purposes in some ways,” Piastri explained, quoted by Speedcafe. “I think being on an F1 weekend, racing alongside F1, that’s an important thing.
“His situation is a little bit different, because he’s obviously the Cadillac test driver already, so it’s not so much about getting yourself in front of the paddock and in front of eyeballs.
“Definitely being on an F1 weekend feels quite different to the racing I did before I was on an F1 weekend, so I think that’s definitely important.”
The McLaren driver’s comments reflect the unique atmosphere and exposure F2 offers, allowing drivers to acclimate to the high-pressure environment of Grand Prix weekends, compete on the same tracks as F1, and familiarize themselves with the operational rhythm of the sport’s pinnacle.
The Limits of Testing
“The F1 testing, obviously getting up to speed in an F1 car is an important thing, but that testing, it has a limit to its uses,” Piastri noted.
“The tyres are not representative. You’re often doing it in winter, or at times when the tracks are not that rubbered in. There’s no other cars around. The cars are old. There are a lot of limits to it.
“But certainly, getting up to speed in an F1 car, just getting your brain used to all the different things you can change, and the speed of which things happen. I’m sure he’ll be fine coming from Indy, but there’s definitely purposes for both.”
Cadillac’s High Stakes for Herta
Cadillac F1 CEO Dan Towriss, speaking to Sky Sports F1 during the Italian Grand Prix, welcomed Herta’s adventurous spirit, but made clear that the 25-year-old’s F1 journey is a high-risk endeavor with no guarantees.
“So I think for Colton, it’s really just his ability to learn quickly and adapt,” he said.
“I think he’s shown a lot of high promise for a Formula 1-type car. He’s done a lot more testing and a lot more sim time than what a lot of people know, and has really excelled every single time he’s been given an opportunity.
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“And for Colton, this has always been a dream of his, to drive in Formula 1. But to do that, this is the path he had to take. He has to take a huge risk, a huge amount of risk. No seat is guaranteed to Colton. This is Formula 1.”
Herta’s decision to compete in F2 while serving as Cadillac’s test driver reflects a calculated strategy to break into F1’s competitive landscape.
With Piastri’s backing and a clear focus on mastering the nuances of Grand Prix weekends, Herta is poised to make a strong case for a future race seat.
As Cadillac prepares for its F1 entry, all eyes will be on the American’s performance in F2, where success could pave the way for his ultimate F1 dream.
Read also:
Herta all-in on F1 with Cadillac: ‘This is my last shot at it’
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