Herta’s toe‑first pedal technique under the microscope ahead of Cadillac F1 FP1

*TL;DR: Colton Herta, who scored points in his first two Formula 2 races, will test a Cadillac F1 car in Barcelona while highlighting his toe‑first pedal technique, a habit that eliminates the need for a heel rest.

Context

The 2026 Barcelona‑Catalunya Grand Prix weekend will host Herta’s first free‑practice (FP1) session in a Formula 1 car. Herta, a multiple IndyCar winner, signed with Cadillac as a test driver while competing in the 2026 Formula 2 season for Hitech. He described the opportunity as a “pinch‑me moment,” emphasizing how close he feels to an actual F1 race seat.

Key Facts

- Herta’s rookie Formula 2 campaign already includes points finishes: seventh place in Melbourne and eighth in Miami. Those results mark consistent performance in his debut season. - In the cockpit, Herta pushes the accelerator and brake pedals with his toes first, lifting his heel off the pedal. The motion prevents the heel from resting on a dedicated heel‑rest platform, which most drivers use for stability. - He traces the habit to karting, noting that it feels natural despite being “weird” compared to other drivers. When a heel rest is present, his heel lifts over it, reducing forward pressure. - Herta confirmed that the seating position in a European open‑wheel car differs from an IndyCar. The footwell sits higher, raising the driver’s feet and slightly lowering forward visibility.

What It Means

The toe‑first technique could influence how Cadillac configures the pedal box for Herta’s test runs. Without a heel rest, the driver may achieve a more direct pedal feel, potentially translating to quicker throttle response. However, the higher footwell in a Formula 1 chassis may require adjustments to maintain comfort and control.

Herta’s early points in Formula 2 demonstrate adaptability to European circuits, a prerequisite for any future full‑time F1 role. His candid discussion of cockpit ergonomics offers teams data on driver‑specific hardware needs, a factor that can affect lap times during testing.

Looking ahead, watch the Barcelona FP1 session for Herta’s lap times and any pedal‑box modifications Cadillac implements to accommodate his toe‑first style. Those details will indicate how quickly the team can translate his unconventional habit into competitive performance.