Colton Herta Eyes Return to 2027 Indy 500

The 26-year-old racer confirms he will not pursue a second Formula 2 season following scheduling conflicts.

Updated on Oct. 20, 2026 in Motorsports

Expressive editorial sports illustration of an open-wheel race car on a banked track, capturing the high-speed motion of competitive racing. — Colton Herta announced he will not return to Formula 2, aiming instead for a return to the Indianapolis 500 in 2027. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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After missing the 2026 Indy 500 due to schedule changes in his Formula 2 campaign, 26-year-old Colton Herta is expressing interest in an Indianapolis return for 2027. Herta confirmed he will not return to the Formula 2 series for a second season.

Why it matters

Herta faced unexpected challenges adjusting to the Formula 2 environment, including failing to earn the necessary Super Licence points for Formula 1. His departure from the series marks a shift in his career focus following his move from the IndyCar series.

Colton Herta is 26 years old and is currently competing in a Formula 2 field that includes two remaining rounds. The series utilizes a 30-minute qualifying format that limits track time to one or two flying laps per set of tires.

The players

Colton Herta

He is a 26-year-old professional racing driver who previously competed in the IndyCar series before transitioning to Formula 2.

Hitech

This is the racing team that currently employs Colton Herta for his Formula 2 campaign.

The details

Herta withdrew from the 2026 Indy 500 after Formula 2 rounds were rescheduled to Miami and Montreal, creating direct timing conflicts. He and his team underestimated the operational differences between the IndyCar series and the Formula 2 environment.

Herta withdrew from the 2026 Indy 500.
Herta eyes a potential return to the Indy 500 in 2027.

Season Trajectory

Herta's interest in the 2027 Indy 500 follows his departure from the Formula 2 series, effectively closing a challenging chapter of his international racing career. This pivot allows him to focus on re-establishing his presence in the American open-wheel circuit.

Herta will not participate in the remaining two rounds of the Formula 2 season as he pivots away from the series. His absence from the 2026 Indy 500 stands as a primary driver for his current planning regarding the 2027 event calendar.

The takeaway

Herta's struggles in Formula 2 highlight the significant operational differences between international feeder series and the American IndyCar circuit. Drivers considering similar career shifts must carefully weigh the impact of scheduling conflicts and technical environment changes on their success.