MOORESVILLE, N.C. — Colton Herta’s dreams of competing in Formula 1 will have to wait as the NTT IndyCar Series driver has signed a contract extension to remain with Andretti Autosport through 2027.
Gainbridge will continue to sponsor the team through 2027. That means get used to seeing Herta in the No. 26 Gainbridge Honda in the NTT IndyCar Series.
“I’m super happy and grateful for everything the entire Andretti and Gainbridge teams have done for me,” Herta said. “This is a huge step for me professionally and I’m so glad it can be with a top team like Andretti Autosport. We have big goals and a lot of work ahead of us, but I can’t be happier to do it with this team and represent Gainbridge.”
Herta was very impressive in a Formula 1 test for McLaren this past summer and tried to land a Formula 1 ride but currently does not have enough points to get an FIA super license that is required to compete in Formula 1.
Herta will join Romain Grosjean (No. 28 DHL Honda), Kyle Kirkwood (No. 27 AutoNation Honda) and Devlin DeFrancesco (No. 29 Andretti Steinbrenner Honda) as drivers for team owner Michael Andretti’s IndyCar team.
“We’re really pleased to confirm that Colton and Gainbridge will remain with Andretti Autosport for years to come,” said the team’s chairman and CEO Michael Andretti. “Colton is a true talent in a race car and has natural determination that makes him want to win. He’s a strong competitor and a good teammate. I’m looking forward to seeing what Colton and Andretti can continue to achieve together.
“We’ve been really proud to represent Gainbridge, and to have given them their first racing victory with Colton in 2020 — and four more since. On and off the track we share a commitment to compete at the top level and look forward to seeing Colton return to victory lane in the yellow and black Gainbridge colors.”
Gainbridge is a Group 1001 company and has been a longtime supporter of both the Indianapolis 500 and Herta in IndyCar.
“Gainbridge is proud to continue its successful relationship with Andretti through this new contract extension with Colton. We have high hopes for both Colton and Gainbridge and believe they’re destined to become household names,” said Dan Towriss, CEO and president of Group 1001, the parent company of Gainbridge. “With his natural talent and winning spirit, Colton won’t stop until he changes the landscape of racing. He’s the perfect representative for Gainbridge, who is changing the landscape of financial services.”
Herta first joined Andretti in 2020 after a breakout rookie season in 2019 where he claimed — and retains — the title of youngest driver to win an IndyCar race.
The 2023 season will mark Herta’s fifth year of NTT IndyCar Series competition and marks the fifth year of sponsorship for Gainbridge, and a sixth season overall for Group 1001. Group 1001, through its Gainbridge brand, has partnered with Andretti since 2018 to bring awareness to the IndyCar Series while working towards its mission to inspire STEM learning and career exploration.
Together, Andretti, Herta and Gainbridge have captured six poles and five IndyCar wins.
Prior to his IndyCar debut, Herta had 65 Indy Lights race starts with Andretti.