Colton Herta has his sights set on returning to the Indianapolis 500 and competing in more IMSA endurance races in 2027, provided his racing commitments allow it. The Cadillac Formula 1 test driver is currently completing his debut FIA Formula 2 season with Hitech as he works towards securing the Super Licence required for an F1 seat. With his plans for next year still unconfirmed, Herta is keen to balance his single-seater ambitions with opportunities in America's biggest motorsport events.
Key Points:
- Herta wants another Indy 500 start: The American has made seven consecutive starts from 2019 to 2025 and says he would jump at the chance to return in 2027.
- F2 schedule remains a key factor: Herta is focused on earning his FIA Super Licence, with his 2027 commitments still undecided.
- IMSA endurance racing remains a priority: He hopes to compete in the Rolex 24 at Daytona, Mobil 1 Twelve Hours of Sebring and Petit Le Mans.
- A strong IndyCar record: Herta has nine IndyCar wins and finished runner-up in the championship in 2024, while continuing his sports car racing commitments with Wayne Taylor Racing.
Herta Leaves the Door Open for an Indy 500 Return
Herta's plans for 2027 remain uncertain, but his desire to return to the Indianapolis 500 is clear. The 26-year-old was scheduled to drive a fourth car for Andretti Global in May 2026, only for a late calendar change to derail the opportunity. The conflict arose after the FIA added a Formula 2 round in Montreal alongside the Formula 1 Canadian Grand Prix.
The change followed the cancellation of races in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia, leaving Herta unable to take part in the Indy 500 as planned. Herta, who recorded nine IndyCar victories and finished second in the championship in 2024, was disappointed to miss the event after making seven consecutive starts between 2019 and 2025.
“I’ll never turn down the Indy 500,” Herta told Motorsport.com, making his enthusiasm for a potential return unmistakable.
Reflecting on the missed opportunity, he explained that the plans had already been in place before the schedule changed. “If I get the chance, 100 percent, I would love to do the Indy 500,” he added.
Formula 2 Campaign Shapes Herta's 2027 Options
Herta's immediate priority is his debut campaign in the FIA Formula 2 Championship with Hitech, as he pursues the Super Licence needed to compete in Formula 1.
He currently sits 19th in the F2 standings, with a season-best fifth-place finish in the Barcelona Sprint Race and four other top-eight results. His final scheduled rounds are in Qatar on November 28–29 and Abu Dhabi on December 5–6, although uncertainty surrounding regional conflicts has affected the outlook for those events.
Until his racing programme and development responsibilities become clearer, Herta cannot confirm how much room he will have for other competitions in 2027.
Herta Hopes to Continue IMSA Endurance Racing
Alongside his single-seater commitments, Herta has also been racing sports cars with Wayne Taylor Racing, competing in the endurance lineup of the No. 40 Cadillac. He recently added a podium finish at Petit Le Mans to his season.
Herta hopes to continue participating in endurance racing next year, particularly the three major events on his wishlist: the Rolex 24 at Daytona, Mobil 1 Twelve Hours of Sebring and Petit Le Mans.
“If it was up to me, I would try to do as much as possible… as much as possible doing the three endurance races,” he said.
Herta also explained that he follows the team's races closely and enjoys being part of the programme. However, he acknowledged that his eventual involvement will depend on how his 2027 schedule develops.
For now, a return to the Indy 500 and another season of IMSA endurance racing remain possibilities rather than confirmed commitments. Herta's next steps will depend on how he balances his Formula 1 ambitions with his desire to continue competing across multiple racing disciplines.
