Colton Herta: ‘Not a sure thing’ to leave IndyCar for Formula 1

Colton Herta has emerged as a top candidate for Cadillac’s Formula 1 project, but the IndyCar star remains hesitant about making the switch.

Mario Andretti, a director on the board of Cadillac F1, has identified the Californian as a lead contender for one of the team’s seats when it enters the grid in 2026. However, Herta has made it clear that his focus remains on IndyCar, confirming that he is not ready to commit to a move.

The 24-year-old, who finished second in the 2024 IndyCar championship behind Alex Palou, has long expressed his love for the series. Despite likely having enough superlicense points by the end of this season to be eligible for an F1 seat—a hurdle that blocked a potential move to AlphaTauri in 2022—Herta remains undecided about leaving a team with which he has shown such strong form.

“I’d be leaving a great group of people I really like working with, so it’s not a sure thing for me,” Herta said. “It’s not an easy decision, just to be like, ‘Alright, see you guys later.’ I’d be giving up an opportunity of maybe never working with these people again.”

The driver's strength in IndyCar was on display at the season opener in St. Petersburg, where he qualified second behind Team Penske's Scott McLaughlin. His luck ran out, however, when a slow pit stop cost him a shot at a win, ultimately finishing 16th. Despite a difficult start to the season, he's eyeing up the championship this year.

“It really sucks to finish second," he said of his 2024 season result. "As nice as it is for that being my highest place, it really sucks to be that close and not do it.

“You need to get that championship, and this year is no different. That’s what we’re working for.”

Colton Herta, Andretti Global

Photo by: Miguel J. Rodriguez Carrillo - Getty Images

Dan Towriss, CEO of TWG Motorsport, which oversees Cadillac’s F1 program, fully supports Herta in his career choice.

“I think really what that shows you is how focused he is and how present he is in IndyCar, and so I love that,” Towriss said. “That’s exactly the answer that I would want Colton to give me. We are locked in on the goals for this year. He finished second last year, and he knows exactly what he could have changed last year, which races he would have changed. So a few moves away from that top spot.

“He’s worked hard in the offseason, the team has had a great offseason, and he wants it bad. It makes no sense for him to be thinking about Formula 1, both in terms of the series but also what he needs to do (for a Super License). So I love that answer.”

Herta is yet to collect the superlicense points necessary to gain entry to F1. Finishing within the top 5 this season would put him in contention, something that Mario Andretti will be keeping a close eye on.

Cadillac’s F1 Ambitions

Cadillac's Formula 1 project, a partnership with General Motors under TWG Motorsport, reflects a strong push to bring an American driver into the sport. If Herta successfully joins, he would become the first full-time American driver on the grid since Scott Speed in 2007. Alexander Rossi raced in five Grands Prix in 2015, but was not full-time.

The driver's stance on this, however, is understandable. Having built his career in IndyCar—where he became the series’ youngest race winner in 2019—he is deeply connected to his team and the sport itself. While F1 presents a big opportunity for him, he understands that leaving a championship-contending seat comes with risks.