Herta Shuns F1 Chatter to Focus on IndyCar Glory

Colton Herta dismisses recurring F1 speculation, choosing instead to concentrate fully on his IndyCar campaign and championship ambitions.

Colton Herta is tired of the recurring speculation about a potential F1 seat, which consistently resurfaces without concrete plans. The Andretti driver could be linked to Cadillac for 2026, but he insists he isn’t even thinking about obtaining a Super License.

“I suppose the answer to that question is that I didn’t even know how the calculations for a Super License work,” Herta said. “If it happens, great, and I’ll have a decision to make if someone still wants me. If it doesn’t, well, poor me, I’m stuck in IndyCar. Either way, I’ll be fine.”

Frustrated with being at the center of rumors, the American isn’t even sure what he would do if the opportunity arose, preferring instead to focus on his career in the U.S.: “I’m not worried about it at all. It feels like people have been talking about me for half a decade.”

“I’ve had the carrot dangled in front of me for quite some time. I’m a bit tired of the situation, and I just want to drive at this point, focus on IndyCar this year, and aim for a championship.”

“If something comes out of it, I’ll have to consider it. But it’s not a certainty. All my friends and family are here in the U.S., and I don’t know where I’d go, so it’s a big decision if I ever need to make it.”

Kyle Kirkwood, his teammate at Andretti and one of IndyCar’s most promising talents, admits he’d be interested in an F1 chance: “Of course, it would be interesting. But at the same time, I love what I’m doing here in IndyCar. This is where I’ve always wanted to be: an IndyCar driver. It allows me to stay in the U.S., where I grew up.”

“I was born and raised in Jupiter, Florida, and I still live there—and that’s what I love about IndyCar; it lets Americans stay home at least. It’s a give-and-take situation. Sure, I’m interested, but I wouldn’t be upset if I never got the opportunity, if you know what I mean.”