Colton Herta's F1 plight makes McLaren boss share blunt reaction to FIA's new IndyCar Super Licence system

Colton Herta failed to secure enough points for a superlicence and decided to race in F2 for the 2026 season as he left IndyCar. With FIA introducing and updating the superlicence points system for the American open wheel racing series, McLaren Boss Tony Kanaan came out and shared his blunt reaction.

Any driver needs a total of 40 superlicence points accumulated over the duration of three consecutive seasons to be eligible for a superlicence. FIA's distribution of the superlicence points prior to the recent change made it difficult for an IndyCar driver to make the switch to F1.

40-30-20-10-8-6-4-3-2-1 were the superlicence points allocated to the Top 10 in the IndyCar standings. The same has been revised to 40-30-25-20-15-10-8-6-3-1, making it a bit easier for the IndyCar driver to get enough superlicence points and make way to F1.

Colton Herta didn't have it the easy way, and joined Cadillac F1 as a reserve driver for 2026, as well as the F2 grid for a full-time driver since the superlicence points system in F2 is a lot more generous than IndyCar, with 40-40-40-30-20-10-8-6-4-3 points for the Top 10 in the standings.

F1 Grand Prix of Abu Dhabi - Practice - Source: Getty

Reacting to the new IndyCar superlicence points system in light of Colton Herta's move to F2, Arrow McLaren Team Principal Tony Kanaan said,

“No one doubts that IndyCar is one of the most competitive racing series in the world, and I’m glad the FIA is acknowledging that by increasing the points to be more comparable to F2,” (via Motorsport) “It’s good news for IndyCar and good for the drivers in the series if they do want to race in F1. An IndyCar driver shouldn’t need to go to a feeder series to prove they’ve got what it takes to compete in any other series,” he added

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Colton Herta reflects on his F2 test with Hitech GP

Formula 2 Testing in Abu Dhabi - Day 2 - Source: Getty

Colton Herta took to the Yas Marina circuit earlier this month to participate in the F2 test with his 2026 team, Hitech GP. The American completed over 170 laps on the opening two days of the test. The former IndyCar driver detailed how the test was all about getting to grips with the F2 machinery, as he said,

“It was all about getting comfortable, and I am still pretty far from being super comfortable in the car. It’s good first steps, it’s such an important three days for us, it’s important to maximize everything that we do here. It’s fun to be here, fun to be in a car in the offseason, and I am looking forward to the next two days,” said Colton Herta (via Speedcafe)

The 2026 F2 season will not only be about getting enough points for a superlicence but also to get a hold of the tricky Pirelli tires.

Edited by Pranay Bhagi