(Motorsport-Total.com) – Colton Herta has not given up his dream of Formula 1: Although the American has already achieved success in the IndyCar series and even became vice champion there in 2024, the 25-year-old is starting in Formula 2 this year to get one step closer to the top class again.
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For this, he receives praise from Formula 1 world champion Mario Andretti. “You can tell that he really wants it,” says the American in an exclusive interview with Autosport, a sister platform of Motorsport-Total.com in the Motorsport Network.
“And that’s exactly where it has to start – with this passion inside – and I like that. I have enormous respect for that,” emphasizes Andretti. Herta will start in Formula 2 in 2026 to collect the necessary points for his super license. Only then will he be able to drive in Formula 1.
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“I have great respect for what he’s trying to do because it shows me that he has a very pure, strong desire to drive in Formula 1,” adds Andretti, who gave his name to Cadillac’s first Formula 1 car, on the podcast Drive to Wynn. “And that’s exactly what it takes.”
Mario Andretti: Colton Herta is “willing to make sacrifices”
“Of course, we’re fortunate here in America to be able to have a solid, completely fulfilling career just in IndyCar, NASCAR and IMSA,” emphasizes the racing legend. “But you can see that he, so to speak, definitely still has an open account.”
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“Although his career is happening here, he wants to have his time in Formula 1, and that’s a chance. So he’s willing to make sacrifices, take a step back to take many steps forward.” Herta is already nominated as a reserve driver for Cadillac this season.
“I spoke with him, had the opportunity to chat with him quite extensively after his race in Melbourne, and he’s well informed,” reveals Andretti. “He’ll do well, but he’s at peace with what he needs to do and has the full support of the team to get where he wants to go.”
“There’s really something to look forward to. As I said: enormous respect because he’s doing it out of pure love and passion.” After the first Formula 2 race weekend in Australia, Herta is in tenth place in the overall standings.
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