Colton Herta, current driver for Hitech in the FIA Formula 2, is considering a possible return to the Indy 500 and endurance races of IMSA if his schedule allows. After an intense season, the 26-year-old Californian has not yet decided on his participation for next year.
With the goal of obtaining the Super License necessary for Formula 1, his upcoming competitions will be crucial for his future in the major motorsport races in America, including the Indy 500 and the endurance rounds of the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship.
Herta, who has achieved nine victories in his IndyCar career and was runner-up in 2024, participated in seven consecutive editions of the Indy 500 between 2019 and 2025. This year, he was set to drive a fourth car for Andretti Global, but an unexpected change in the calendar, due to the addition of a Formula 2 round in Montreal, prevented his presence.
Reflecting on this loss, Herta made it clear that, if the context allows, he would return to the most iconic race in the world of racing. ‘I will never refuse the Indy 500. I always want to do it. It was a shame not to be able to participate this year. Everything was ready,’ he commented.
Balancing F1 aspirations with sports cars
Currently, Herta is in 19th place in the F2 standings, with a best result of fifth place in the sprint race in Barcelona. The season concludes with two consecutive rounds in Qatar (November 28-29) and Abu Dhabi (December 5-6), with a landscape full of uncertainties due to the political situation in the region.
In addition to single-seater races, Herta is part of the endurance team of Wayne Taylor Racing with the #40 Cadillac car, recently achieving a podium finish at the Petit Le Mans race. However, his continued participation in these competitions alongside his development responsibilities for next year is uncertain.
As he commented: ‘If it were up to me, I would try to participate in as many as possible… in the three endurance races (Rolex 24 At Daytona, Mobil 1 Twelve Hours of Sebring, and Petit Le Mans) that I can do.’ The uncertainty about his future means he has to manage opportunities and commitments wisely.
Written by FormulaRapidaAI
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