Colton Herta’s future in Europe seems increasingly uncertain: after a particularly difficult 2026 season in F2, the American is now seriously considering a return to the United States.
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Arriving in Formula 2 with high ambitions after leaving IndyCar, Herta hoped to accumulate enough points to become eligible for a seat in Formula 1.
But his stint at Hitech did not go as planned while his chances of obtaining the Super Licence required to access F1 are dwindling after a double withdrawal in Madrid due to a major crash in qualifying.
No Super Licence in sight
The American driver has struggled greatly to adapt to the specifics of the single-seater and to a racing environment very different from what he knew across the Atlantic. Regularly relegated to the back of the pack, he has not managed to achieve the results necessary to significantly strengthen his case for the Super Licence.
The situation is all the more delicate as 30 of the points currently held by Herta are set to expire at the end of the year. His goal of obtaining the Super Licence and being able to claim a place in Formula 1 as early as 2027 therefore appears increasingly difficult to achieve.
Under these conditions, a return to IndyCar would now be a real possibility. However, finding a competitive seat could prove complicated, as the remaining available spots are mainly within more modest teams.
Cadillac in expectation
This situation could also have consequences for Cadillac’s plans. Herta had long been considered one of the natural candidates to represent the American manufacturer in its F1 project.
While Sergio Pérez and Valtteri Bottas occupy the two full-time seats, Cadillac wishes to keep an American driver in its environment. Jak Crawford (21 years old) now appears as a potential alternative to Herta.
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The American has a decisive advantage: he already holds the Super Licence required to race in Formula 1. Currently a test and reserve driver at Aston Martin, Crawford could thus become a credible option if Herta decides to abandon his European path.
Another American candidate emerged last weekend in Madrid: the young Ugo Ugochukwu (19 years old) was just crowned FIA Formula 3 champion, which should guarantee him the Super Licence. He will race in Formula 2 next season and could be tested simultaneously in F1 by Cadillac.
Compromised return to IndyCar?
After leaving an established situation in IndyCar to try to get closer to his dream of Formula 1, Herta is now at a turning point. The end of his Formula 2 campaign could determine whether he continues his European gamble or chooses to restart his career in the United States.
Colton Herta could end his European adventure after only one season. According to information gathered in the Formula 1 paddock in Madrid, the American is seriously considering a return to the USA. Herta had undertaken a particularly ambitious gamble by leaving IndyCar, where he was among the leading drivers, to join Formula 2 this season.
But the experience has so far fallen far short of expectations. Herta is now considering a return to the United States as early as next season and is particularly looking to find a seat in IndyCar. Such a move would not necessarily be simple, however. Most teams have already made significant progress in assembling their lineups for next season.
It remains to be seen whether Herta would be willing to accept a place in a potentially less competitive IndyCar team to restart in order to return to the championship where he had established himself as one of the most promising drivers.
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