Colton Herta is keeping an eye on IndyCar: "I hope to be able to come back."

While he had announced he was leaving IndiaCar to move to the feeder series of Formula 1 In early September, Colton Herta hadn't completely given up on the idea of ​​returning to race in the Indy 500. Speaking on the podcast Stickers & Send itThe American reaffirmed his desire to participate in the 2026 edition on the legendary oval track. I would love to come back. I don't know what the future holds, what the possibilities are, or if I'll even be able to. concedes the future pilot of F2. I'm sure there will be discussions about this because I really like Indy. "Having finished in the top ten only twice at Indianapolis, former driver Andretti notably suffered a violent accident in qualifying which left a lasting impression during the penultimate edition.

A busy schedule already awaits Colton Herta in 2026. In addition to the Formula 2 championship he will contest with Hitech TGR, he is expected to join Cadillac as a test driver and... IMSA for the Daytona, Sebring and Road Atlanta races – events which he has already competed in in 2024.

While the prospect of his participation in the Indianapolis 500 had seemed distant until now, Marco Andretti's retirement announcement opens a real possibility for Colton Herta. At 38, Mario Andretti's grandson announced his retirement from racing at the end of October. He will therefore not be driving the No. 98 Dallara-Honda, which Herta could then take over. The Californian could race alongside his former teammates Marcus Ericsson and Kyle Kirkwood, and his replacement at the Andretti team, veteran Will Power.

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Will Colton Herta make his eighth appearance at the Indy 500?

However, there are many obstacles to this potential commitment. While the driver won't be hindered by the Formula 2 calendar, which is free in May 2026, Dan Towriss, CEO of Cadillac F1 and TWG Motorsports, which also owns the Andretti team, is IndyCarHe might prefer working on his team's simulator at the Indy 500 for his new test driver. It should also be noted that his dual IMSA program would theoretically not prevent him from participating in qualifying on May 16th or the race on May 24th.

During his seven seasons in IndyCar, Colton Herta experienced highs and lows. While he had previously finished second and third in the championship, the youngest winner in IndyCar history did not secure a single victory in 2025. IndyCar doesn't owe me anything. Even though they haven't been very kind to me so far, and we've had some big accidents and not very good results.Colton Herta acknowledges. This motivates me even more, it makes me want to come back even more. says he. I hope to be able to come back. »

In his quest for the Holy Grail – Formula 1 – Colton Herta hasn't forgotten his first love: IndyCar. It remains to be seen whether the Californian will be allowed to drive the Dallara-Honda next May.

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