Colton Herta’s ongoing journey into F1.

LYDIA MEEJAN/F1 News Jan. 10, 2023/Si.com

With the news of Andretti Autosport’s partnership with Cadillac as a potential new team to join Formula 1, all eyes have been on Colton Herta as the favourite to drive for the team if all goes ahead. However, this is not his first time getting close to driving on the grid.

Herta made his IndyCar debut in 2019 driving for Harding Steinbrenner Racing. He moved to Andretti in 2020 where he has competed since. Over his IndyCar career he has achieved seven wins, eleven podium finishes, and nine pole positions. His best championship finish was in 2020 when he came third.

Herta is currently in contract with Andretti competing in the IndyCar series. Speaking about Herta after last weeks announcement, Michael Andretti explained:

“We definitely have a plan to have an American driver. I think you all know who is leading the pack on that one.

“Colton we have under contract right now in IndyCar. We want to make this an all-American effort to make sure we have an American driver in the seat.”

Andretti Autosport attempted to purchase Sauber back in 2021 and whilst the negotiations were ongoing, Herta was the favourite to drive for Alfa Romeo in 2022 alongside Valtteri Bottas. Herta met with the team in Switzerland to mould the seat and test in the simulator. Mario Andretti said at the time that Herta showed fantastic initial performance during the tests, setting faster times than Kimi Raikkonen.