O’Ward: ‘I’d be shocked not to see Herta in F1 in 2027’

McLaren IndyCar star Pato O’Ward is throwing his full support behind his former rival Colton Herta’s bold leap toward Formula 1.

The Mexican is convinced that Herta’s upcoming move to Formula 2 with Hitech, paired with a test driver role for the Cadillac F1 Team, is a clear signal of big things to come.

Herta’s transatlantic gamble – trading IndyCar podiums for a European proving ground – has become a big talking point in the IndyCar paddock. While many view the move as risky, O’Ward sees it as part of a carefully scripted plan.

In fact, O’Ward is so confident in Herta’s trajectory that he’d be stunned if the American isn’t racing in F1 in 2027.

“He's very talented,” O’Ward told RACER. “He's been a great competitor in IndyCar, and I wish him the best. I think I'd be shocked to not see him in a Formula 1 [seat] in 2027. I don't think he'd be doing this switch if that wasn't on the table for him.

“So I'm super excited for him, and I really want him to do well, because he's going to be our IndyCar representation. I think he doesn't just have himself on board. I think he's definitely got a lot of guys that are pushing for him to do well outside of just being in Formula 2 next year.

“We want him to make it to Formula 1, and we want him to do well.”

A Tall Order for Herta

Despite his optimism, O’Ward acknowledged that Herta faces a steep learning curve as he transitions to the European feeder series.

“The task is tall. The tyres are very different. The car is much worse than an Indy car, so he's definitely downgrading in terms of car capabilities and car feeling.

“Like I said, I'd be shocked to know that he's doing this just to do it. I definitely know...

“Well, I don't know, but I really hope this is the case, that he's doing it because he has a Formula 1 seat, because otherwise he will really miss IndyCar. I know he will.”

Towriss: ‘No risk, no reward’

Cadillac F1 Team CEO Dan Towriss praised Herta’s decision to take the long road to Formula 1, stressing that the American’s move comes from ambition, not entitlement.

“For Colton, this has always been a dream of his, to drive in F1, but to do that, this is the path he had to take,” Towriss told Sky Sports F1.

“He has to take a huge risk – no seat is guaranteed. This is F1, so he wants to learn tracks and tyres and show that respect to European open-wheel racing.

“The entitlement model from the US hasn’t worked out that well in the past, so we really want to build that body of work, the knowledge that’s necessary, to see if he has what it takes to drive in Formula 1.”

Towriss didn’t shy away from praising Herta’s raw talent.

“He really is a special talent,” he continued. “There have been times where troubles on pitlane or strategy didn’t work out, but Colton’s an immense talent and he really can find speed where others can’t.

• Read also: Herta adds IMSA stints with Cadillac to F1 and F2 duties

“Now this is the chance to do it. He’s leaving behind what’s comfortable for something uncomfortable – but no risk, no reward, as they say.”

Herta’s path to Formula 1 may be unconventional, but O’Ward’s confidence – and Cadillac’s calculated faith – suggest the American prodigy’s story is far from over.

If all goes to plan, the IndyCar star-turned-F2 rookie could become America’s next full-time Formula 1 driver by 2027.

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