As rumors surrounding Formula 1 continue to circulate, Colton Herta, one of IndyCar's rising stars, ignores the ambient noise. With the 2025 season on the horizon, the 24-year-old Californian is focused on one goal: winning his first IndyCar championship. But will success on American soil inevitably reopen the door to F1?
Putting F1 on the bench
For years, Herta has been at the center of speculation about becoming the next American Formula 1 driver. However, the constant chatter around F1 is starting to take its toll on the young star. Speaking bluntly at IndyCar's media day, Herta expressed his desire to focus solely on the task at hand.
“I've kind of been dragged into this discussion for, it feels like, half a decade now, and I've had to carry it around for a while,” Herta admitted. “So, I’m a little tired of that being the case. I just want to drive at this point and focus on IndyCar this year and winning the championship.”
However, it's hard to ignore the elephant in the room. With the FIA's announcement of an 11th team, Cadillac F1, joining the Formula 1 grid in 2026, the Herta name remains inextricably linked to the American effort. After all, Michael Andretti, who led the bid for Cadillac F1, has long backed Herta as the driver who can bring American talent back to the world stage.
The Super License Puzzle
A possible move to F1 depends on Herta's ability to obtain the valuable FIA super license. The system, based on points accumulated over three seasons, requires 40 points to be eligible. Herta's second place in the 2024 IndyCar championship brings him closer to that coveted threshold.
“I guess the answer is I don’t even know what the math is for getting a super license,” Herta said with a shrug. “If it happens, it happens, and that's good, I'll have a decision to make—if I'm still wanted. If that doesn't happen, then for me, I'm stuck racing IndyCar. It’ll be fine.”
Winning the 2025 IndyCar championship would secure the necessary points, potentially opening the door to F1. But for now, Herta's sights are firmly set on IndyCar glory.
Unfinished Business in IndyCar
Herta is entering the 2025 season with momentum and motivation. His 2024 campaign saw him finish second in the standings, just 31 points behind three-time champion Alex Palou. The season has been a rollercoaster of adrenaline and near-success, with six top-five finishes and two wins in the last seven races.
However, moments of bad luck—crashes in Indianapolis and Detroit, a tire incident in Milwaukee, and an unwelcome yellow flag in Iowa—left Herta wondering what could have been. “I’m not happy,” he admitted. “It’s really disappointing to finish second. As nice as it is, for that to be my best result, it’s really frustrating to be so close and not get there.”
Competition is not going to make things easier. Palou, in search of a historic treble, remains as determined as ever. “It’s going to take a lot of effort; the competition is really tough,” Palou said. “We won the last championship with only two wins, so that shows how difficult it is.”
Balancing ambitions and realities
For Herta, the attraction of F1 remains strong but is not all-consuming. The thought of leaving behind friends, family and the familiarity of racing in the United States weighs heavily on him. “It’s not a certainty. All my friends and family are still here in the United States, and I don't know anyone where I'm going. So, it's a big, big decision to make if I have to make a decision,” he explained.
Ultimately, Herta knows that success in IndyCar is the key to keeping all doors open. A championship victory would solidify his status as one of motorsport's elite, whether his future lies in the United States or across the Atlantic.
The final word
For now, Colton Herta's story isn't about what could be in 2026—it's about what's right in front of him. As he prepares for the 2025 IndyCar season, his goal is clear: conquer the series that has been his home and let the rest fall into place. Whether the year ends with an IndyCar championship, a super license or the renewal of F1 dreams, one thing is certain: Herta's journey is far from over.
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