While whispers of Formula 1 continue to swirl, Colton Herta, one of IndyCar’s brightest stars, is shutting out the noise. With the 2025 season on the horizon, the 24-year-old Californian is laser-focused on one goal: winning his first IndyCar championship. But will success on home soil inevitably reopen the door to F1?
Putting F1 on the Backburner
For years, Herta has been at the center of speculation about becoming America’s next Formula 1 driver. However, the constant chatter about F1 has worn thin for the young star. Speaking candidly during IndyCar media day, Herta expressed his desire to focus solely on the task ahead.
“I’ve kind of been dragged around in this talk for, it feels like half a decade now, and I’ve had to carry it in front of me for a while,” Herta admitted. “So I’m kind of tired of that being the case. I just want to drive at this point and focus on IndyCar this year and focus on winning the championship.”
Even so, 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, Herta’s name remains inextricably tied to the American effort. After all, Michael Andretti, who led the bid for Cadillac F1, had long championed Herta as the driver to bring U.S. talent back to the global stage.
The Super License Puzzle
A potential move to F1 hinges on whether Herta can secure the elusive FIA super license. The system, based on points accumulated over three seasons, requires 40 points for eligibility. Herta’s second-place finish in the 2024 IndyCar championship brings him tantalizingly close to that threshold.
“I guess the answer to that is I don’t even know what the math is to get a super license,” Herta said with a shrug. “If it happens, it happens, and great, I’ll have a decision to make—if I’m still wanted. If it doesn’t happen, then for me, I’m stuck racing in IndyCar. I’ll be all right.”
Winning the 2025 IndyCar championship would guarantee the points needed, potentially opening the door to F1. But for now, Herta’s sights are firmly set on IndyCar glory.
Unfinished Business in IndyCar
Herta enters the 2025 season with momentum and motivation. His 2024 campaign saw him finish second in the standings, just 31 points shy of three-time champion Alex Palou. The season was a rollercoaster of highs and near-misses, with six top-five finishes and two wins in the final seven races.
Yet, moments of bad luck—crashes at Indianapolis and Detroit, a tire mishap in Milwaukee, and an untimely yellow flag in Iowa—left Herta wondering what could have been. “I’m not happy,” he admitted. “It really sucks to finish second. As nice as it is, for that being my best finish, it really sucks to be that close and not do it.”
The competition won’t make things easier. Palou, chasing a historic three-peat, 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 tough it is.”
Balancing Ambitions and Realities
For Herta, the allure of F1 remains strong but not all-consuming. The thought of leaving behind friends, family, and the familiarity of U.S. racing weighs heavily on him. “It’s not a for-sure thing. All my friends and family are still here in the U.S., and I don’t know anybody 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 win would solidify his status as one of motorsport’s elite, whether his future lies in the U.S. or across the Atlantic.
The Final Word
For now, Colton Herta’s story isn’t about what might be in 2026—it’s about what’s right in front of him. As he gears up for the 2025 IndyCar season, his focus is clear: conquer the series that’s been his home and let the rest fall into place. Whether the year ends with an IndyCar championship, a super license, or the rekindling of F1 dreams, one thing is certain: Herta’s journey is far from over.