Towriss: Colton Herta’s F1 work matters more than F2 results

Cadillac’s assessment of Herta looks beyond the results sheet

TWG Motorsports CEO Dan Towriss has made clear that Colton Herta’s route towards a future Cadillac Formula 1 seat will be judged primarily by the work he is doing around the F1 programme, rather than by his current Formula 2 results.

The Formula 2 programme is designed to help Herta learn the circuits on the calendar. However, his results have so far remained largely in the midfield, a performance level Towriss believes should be viewed in context rather than treated as the definitive measure of his progress.

That assessment is consistent with the broader purpose of Herta’s F2 campaign. Readers following the category can also consult our guide to the 2026 Formula 2 Spa-Francorchamps round, where the championship’s schedule and coverage details are outlined.

F1 mileage is the central benchmark

Herta’s first practice debut came earlier this season at the Barcelona-Catalunya Grand Prix. His next opportunity in current F1 machinery will arrive during first practice in Hungary, with two additional appearances scheduled for 2026.

Towriss said Herta’s F2 assignment was about learning tracks and tyres, adding that this process was taking place despite some “bumps in the road” and results that had not matched expectations. He also pointed to Hitech’s current position as part of the explanation.

“For Colton it was all about learning – coming here learning tracks, tyres and that certainly is happening,” Towriss said, as quoted by RACER.

He added that Herta was continuing to show what he could do while completing the work Cadillac needed from him. Alongside F2, the American is developing through the F1 simulator and building practical experience during free-practice sessions.

Towriss said Herta had completed everything the team requested during his first practice outing. The focus now is on accumulating enough evidence to demonstrate readiness for Formula 1. For Cadillac, that body of work—not a midfield F2 finishing position alone—will shape the final judgment on Herta’s potential.