Colton Herta, a standout in American open-wheel racing, is preparing to transition from the NTT IndyCar Series to FIA Formula 2 in 2026 as he follows his ambition of reaching Formula 1. Despite this shift, Herta remains interested in competing in the prestigious Indianapolis 500, a hallmark event in U.S. motorsport, potentially returning to the race in May 2026.
The Daytona 500‘s conclusion has shifted focus toward the Indianapolis 500, which promises to be the next major display of American racing patriotism. Herta’s move toward Formula 2, set to commence its season in March, does not necessarily eliminate the possibility of making another Indy 500 appearance alongside his European aspirations.
Herta’s Transition From IndyCar to Formula 2 and F1 Preparation
After seven full seasons and nine IndyCar wins with Andretti Global, Herta surprised many by announcing he would leave full-time IndyCar competition at the end of 2025 to pursue opportunities in Formula 1. He has been appointed as a test and development driver for the new Cadillac F1 team, an American manufacturer’s promising entry debuting soon in Formula 1. Alongside this role, Herta will race in Formula 2 with the Hitech TGR team.
@ColtonHerta joins the grid after seven full seasons in IndyCar with the ambition of getting an @F1 seat with @Cadillac_F1 👏 pic.twitter.com/BGDRRUd3Qj — Formula 2 (@Formula2) December 16, 2025
Herta’s schedule in May 2026 appears open, as Formula 2 has no races that month. He has expressed his desire to rejoin the Indy 500, an event he has participated in every year since 2019, saying,
“Obviously I want to do it, but I want to make sure it doesn’t take away from any of the main stuff I am doing. If I get the chance, I will do it.”
Complexities Around Competing in Indy 500 While Pursuing F1
The possibility of Herta racing the Indy 500 in 2026, however, is complicated by several factors. The same ownership group—Dan Towriss and TWG Motorsports—now controls both Andretti Global’s IndyCar team and the Cadillac Formula 1 program, which facilitated Herta’s move to Europe. Despite this, manufacturer rivalries pose challenges: Andretti runs Honda-powered IndyCars, while Cadillac is under General Motors, requiring an agreement between competing companies for any one-off Indy 500 entry.
For Herta to take part, there would need to be a temporary release from his Formula 2 commitments, availability of a competitive IndyCar ride—likely with Andretti in a single-entry car—and manufacturer cooperation despite their competition. These moving parts all must fall into place for a return to the “Greatest Spectacle in Racing” outside of a full-time IndyCar season.
Herta’s Ongoing Connection to IndyCar and American Racing
Despite Herta’s focus on Europe, the Indy 500 remains an essential part of his career narrative and American racing heritage. A further start at Indianapolis would symbolize a strong conclusion to his primary IndyCar chapter while maintaining visibility in the U.S. market during his quest for Formula 1. Industry voices and fans alike have acknowledged the scheduling alignment and Herta’s expressed hope to return at some point in his future professional driving career.
Herta has stated his intention to finish his racing career in IndyCar, whatever the outcome of his European pursuits. His position at this crossroads between American tradition and global F1 ambition highlights a unique career path few have taken.
What a ride it’s been. 116 starts, 9 wins, 16 poles, 40 top fives, 64 top tens and so many memories. Thank you, Colton Herta 💛 We’ll be cheering you on in this next chapter 💪 pic.twitter.com/mdgWDgILDN — Andretti INDYCAR & INDY NXT (@AndrettiIndy) September 3, 2025
Support From Former Champions and Industry Insiders
Alexander Rossi, former Formula 1 driver and 2016 Indy 500 winner, has publicly expressed confidence in Herta’s ability to make the jump to Formula 1 successfully. Rossi told Autoweek,
“Colton doesn’t carry any weight, because whether it goes well or not, I can promise you, he won’t lose any sleep over it. It’s partially a dream come true for him. I know he’s going to grab the opportunity with both hands.”
Meanwhile, IndyCar driver Pato O’Ward emphasizes the broader impact Herta’s presence in Europe could have on perceptions of American open-wheel racing. O’Ward explained to ESPN,
“I think it’s for us to support his decision and to wish him the best for the sake of showing well for us. Because he is the first one who’s going to make the move like he’s doing from IndyCar going to F2. And we want that to be good, because it would only help the situation maybe with people who don’t have a lot of good things to say about IndyCar. Colton doing well would be a win for IndyCar.”
The Wider Importance of Herta’s European Campaign
Herta’s efforts to secure sufficient Super License points and to impress in F2 carry significant weight for American motorsports. Success in Europe could elevate the reputation of IndyCar as a fertile breeding ground for top-tier driving talent. Conversely, any struggles might reinforce skepticism about the series’ competitiveness on the global stage.
This duality places additional pressure on Herta’s upcoming season, as he seeks to not only achieve personal goals but also pave the way for future American drivers aiming to bridge IndyCar and Formula 1 careers. His journey reflects the challenges faced by American racers stepping into the global spotlight while maintaining strong domestic ties.
https://twitter.com/Formula2/status/2000948941651902690
What a ride it’s been. 116 starts, 9 wins, 16 poles, 40 top fives, 64 top tens and so many memories. Thank you, Colton Herta 💛
We’ll be cheering you on in this next chapter 💪 pic.twitter.com/mdgWDgILDN
— Andretti INDYCAR & INDY NXT (@AndrettiIndy) September 3, 2025
