P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Colton Herta is making a major career switch next year as he goes in the hunt of a seat on the F1 grid.
McLaren’s Pato O’Ward believes Colton Herta will secure a seat on the 2027 F1 grid and would be “shocked” if he didn’t.
Herta, a successful IndyCar driver with nine wins, is transitioning to Formula 2 for 2026 after joining Cadillac as a development driver.
Herta sees F2 as his potential pathway to F1, especially with Cadillac’s interest in having an American driver in the future.
While Cadillac’s initial F1 lineup includes Bottas and Perez, Herta will provide support from F2 as he aims for an F1 seat.
O’Ward, Herta’s IndyCar peer, expressed confidence in Herta’s talent and expects him to make a successful transition to F1.
Acknowledging Herta’s departure from IndyCar after several years of racing success, O’Ward highlighted the support Herta has from the IndyCar community as he embarks on this new career chapter.
