Colton Herta Plans IndyCar Return After Pursuing Formula 1 Dream

Colton Herta has revealed that, despite pursuing his Formula 1 ambitions, he fully intends to return to IndyCar later in his career. The American driver has taken the bold step of leaving a high-profile, well-paid seat in IndyCar to contest the 2026 Formula 2 season with Hitech TGR, a move that sees him racing against far younger competitors as he works toward his long-held F1 dream.

Herta’s path to Formula 1 could have been far more direct had he accumulated enough FIA Super Licence points while competing in IndyCar. Instead, the 25-year-old has opted for a full Formula 2 campaign in Europe, using the opportunity to gain experience on unfamiliar circuits and adapt to Pirelli tyres, key elements of the F1 ladder.

Despite the European detour, Herta has made it clear that his long-term future lies back in American open-wheel racing. Speaking to reporter David Land during IMSA’s media day, he confirmed his intention to return to IndyCar once his Formula 1 ambitions have run their course.

“My hope would be to come back at some point,” Herta said. “I don’t want to finish my open-wheel career in Formula 1 or in Europe. I want to come back to America and do IndyCar again. Whether that’s in two years or ten years, I honestly don’t know, but I will definitely be back.”

The Cadillac Formula 1 test driver also expressed a strong desire to return to the Indianapolis 500 as soon as possible.

“I hope I can be back this year for the Indy 500,” he added. “It would be awesome to be back.”

The 2026 Formula 2 calendar does not include any races in May, potentially leaving Herta free to compete in the 110th running of the Indianapolis 500 with Andretti Global. The team currently has a vacant fourth, part-time entry following Marco Andretti’s retirement from professional racing and his final Indy 500 appearance last year.

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