Colton Herta: Building a Racing Career from Scratch
- Colton herta acknowledges a near-restart in his racing career as he transitions to a full season in Formula 2 (F2) in 2024, a necessary step to secure the...
- For 24-year-old American driver Colton Herta, leaving a successful IndyCar career isn't a regression, but a strategic move.
- The challenge is meaningful, as demonstrated by the experiences of drivers like Ritomo Miyata.Miyata, a double champion in both Super Formula and Super GT, achieved only one podium...
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Colton Herta Prepares for F2 Season as Stepping Stone to Formula 1
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Colton herta acknowledges a near-restart in his racing career as he transitions to a full season in Formula 2 (F2) in 2024, a necessary step to secure the superlicense points required for a future Formula 1 (F1) entry. he recently completed his first rain test at monza.
The Path to Formula 1 Requires an F2 Campaign
For 24-year-old American driver Colton Herta, leaving a successful IndyCar career isn’t a regression, but a strategic move. He requires accumulating enough superlicense points to meet Formula 1’s eligibility criteria. The superlicense system, implemented by the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA), dictates the points a driver must earn through performance in various racing series to qualify for an F1 license (FIA, Super Licence).
The challenge is meaningful, as demonstrated by the experiences of drivers like Ritomo Miyata.Miyata, a double champion in both Super Formula and Super GT, achieved only one podium finish after moving to Hitech TGR in F2. This highlights the competitive intensity and adjustment required in the transition to F2.
Monza Test and Cadillac Hypercar Experience
Herta recently participated in his first rain test at the Autodromo Nazionale Monza in Italy. The test provided valuable experience in adapting to the different demands of F2 cars in wet conditions. He also had the opportunity to drive the naturally aspirated V8-powered Cadillac Hypercar, a stark contrast to the turbocharged engines he’s accustomed to throughout his career.
Herta expressed his surprise and enjoyment of the Cadillac Hypercar, stating, “The sound, the sensations… its something I’ve never experienced.”
He is now focused on preparing for the 2026 season, anticipating a demanding and crucial period in his pursuit of Formula 1.
Superlicense Point System: A Breakdown
The FIA superlicense point system awards points based on a driver’s finishing position in various championships. Hear’s a simplified overview:
| Championship | Points Awarded (Champion) |
|---|---|
| Formula 1 | 25 |
| Formula 2 | 20 |
| IndyCar Series | 18 |
| Super Formula | 15 |
A driver needs 40 points over a three-year period to