Colton Herta embarked on an exciting new chapter in his racing career as he participated in his first official Formula 2 test at the Yas Marina Circuit in Abu Dhabi. Joining the Hitech TGR team, the Cadillac F1 reserve driver completed an impressive 172 laps over two days, marking a strong start to his preparations for the 2026 FIA Formula 2 Championship.
The First Test: Laying the Groundwork
The test began with Herta putting in 32 laps on Wednesday morning, clocking a time of 1:39.792. As he familiarized himself with the new F2 machinery, Herta’s focus was on comfort rather than speed.
Reflecting on his debut day, Herta stated, “It was all about getting comfortable, and I am still pretty far from being super comfortable in the car,” as quoted by Speedcafe. His priority was to maximize the experience and adapt quickly to the car’s demands.
Steady Progress in Yas Marina
As the testing progressed, Thursday brought more promise. Herta completed another 36 laps in the morning session, improving his best time to 1:38.115. His ability to adapt and grow confidence showed as he fine-tuned his skills with the Hitech TGR team.
The afternoon sessions shifted focus towards endurance, testing the car’s balance and tire behavior under different conditions. During this time, Herta continued to show progress, completing 53 additional laps and posting a time of 1:42.263.
A Promising Future Ahead
Herta’s consistent effort placed him among the most active drivers on track during the test. His lap times were competitive, setting the stage for a promising F2 debut in the upcoming season.
As stated in F1i.com, Herta’s performance in Abu Dhabi has piqued the interest of many. His debut effort was not only about setting fast lap times but also about understanding the car and building a foundation for future success.
Colton Herta’s journey into Formula 2 is just beginning, and his determination and talent have already made a significant impact. The racing world will watch closely as he continues to develop his skills and prepares to take on new challenges in the thrilling world of Formula 2 racing.