Colton Herta Rejects Romain Grosjean’s Comparison of IndyCar and Formula 2 Following Difficult Series Debut

Colton Herta disputes Romain Grosjean’s claim that IndyCar and F2 are similar, citing major differences in tire tech and power delivery.

By: AXL Media

Published: Apr 30, 2026, 8:10 AM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from PlanetF1

Diverging Perspectives on Racing Philosophy

The debate regarding the technical gap between American open-wheel racing and the European junior ladder has been reignited by Colton Herta’s recent move to Formula 2. While former Haas F1 driver Romain Grosjean previously described the IndyCar platform as being analogous to F2 due to its lower aerodynamic sensitivity and mechanical simplicity, Herta has found no such commonality. Now competing for Hitech, Herta argued that the sensory experience—from the sound of the engine to the physical feedback of the gear shifts—creates a distinct identity for each car. For the 26-year-old, the F2 chassis requires a complete mental recalibration rather than the incremental adjustment Grosjean’s theory suggested.

The Steep Learning Curve of Continental Tires

One of the most significant hurdles Herta has identified is the volatile nature of the Pirelli rubber used in Formula 2. Unlike the more durable Firestone compounds utilized in IndyCar, the F2 tires exhibit a much higher rate of thermal degradation, forcing a shift in driving style. Herta emphasized that understanding the "tire-engine combination" has become the primary focus of his 2026 campaign. This learning process is central to his role as Cadillac F1’s primary test driver, as mastering tire management is widely considered the most critical skill for any prospective Formula 1 pilot attempting to make the jump from North American racing.

The Brutal Efficiency of the F2 Format

Herta’s transition has also been a "wake-up call" regarding the limited track time available during grand prix weekends. In Melbourne, a heavy crash during the sole 40-minute practice session nearly derailed his entire event. Unlike the multiple hour-long sessions common in IndyCar, F2 drivers are often restricted to a single set of tires and less than an hour of preparation before entering high-stakes qualifying. This compressed schedule places an immense premium on immediate adaptability; Herta noted that failing to put a "best foot forward" in the opening ten minutes of a weekend can leave a driver in a state of permanent recovery.