P1racenews AI automatic summary:
FIA rule change causes headache for Cadillac star
American racer Colton Herta has decided to transition from IndyCar to F2 in 2026 in pursuit of his dream of reaching F1 by gaining experience in the feeder series.
Herta, aged 25 and with nine IndyCar wins, was the runner-up in the 2024 championship to Alex Palou.
In 2026, he will be a test driver for Cadillac, assisting full-time drivers Sergio Perez and Valtteri Bottas in car development.
Changes in FIA rules regarding IndyCar superlicence points allocation have made it more challenging for drivers like Herta to accumulate enough points to participate in F1 practice sessions.
The hope is that Herta’s F2 experience will position him well for a potential full-time role with Cadillac in the future, possibly when General Motors partners with the team in 2028.
While Cadillac’s initial focus is on leveraging the experience of Perez and Bottas in their first season, having an American driver like Herta in the future aligns with their aspirations for the team.
