'Herta isn’t just racing for himself, he’s racing for IndyCar'
McLaren reserve driver Pato O'Ward states that Colton Herta will have the whole weight of IndyCar on his shoulders next season.
"I think he doesn't just have himself on board. I think he's definitely got a lot of guys that are pushing for him to do well."- Pato O'Ward
Herta will make the move to European racing after seven seasons in the American series as he becomes Cadillac's reserve driver for the 2026 season.
The 25-year-old will also compete in the 2026 Formula 2 season with Hitech, looking to collect the Super License points that will offer him a chance to race in Formula 1.
O'Ward, who has raced alongside Herta in IndyCar since 2020, believes that a future in the premier class of motorsport is possible for the former Andretti racer, and many people will be keenly watching how he performs in F2.
“He's very talented. He's been a great competitor in IndyCar, and I wish him the best,” O’Ward said while speaking to RACER.
“I think I'd be shocked to not see him in a Formula 1 [seat] in 2027. I don't think he'd be doing this switch if that wasn't on the table for him.
“I'm super excited for him, and I really want him to do well, because he's going to be our IndyCar representation. I think he doesn't just have himself on board. I think he's definitely got a lot of guys that are pushing for him to do well outside of just being in Formula 2 next year. We want him to make it to Formula 1, and we want him to do well.”
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Tall task ahead of Herta in 2026
Herta has already completed his first test of an F2 car, and there will be plenty more opportunities for the 25-year-old to acclimate to the new series, with a first public appearance likely to come at the end of season test at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
But, along with reserve driver duties for Cadillac and a full F2 season to deal with next year, Herta will also be taking part in three IMSA SportsCar Championship races for Cadillac next season, adding more variables to a hugely important season
“The task is tall. The tyres are very different. The car is much worse than an Indy car, so he's definitely downgrading in terms of car capabilities and car feeling," continued O'Ward, explaining the difference between IndyCar and F2, having competed in the junior formula series back in 2019.
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“Like I said, I'd be shocked to know that he's doing this just to do it. I definitely know... Well, I don't know, but I really hope this is the case, that he's doing it because he has a Formula 1 seat, because otherwise he will really miss IndyCar. I know he will.”
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