Season In Review: Colton Herta, No. 26

It was a rare off-year for Colton Herta and Andretti Autosport, as the 23-year-old finished the NTT IndyCar Series season 10th in points.

While Herta equalled his points result from last season, the second-generation racer failed to visit the top step of the podium for the first time since his part-time effort in 2018. 

Among the highlights for Herta this season was one podium finish on the streets of Toronto and back-to-back pole positions at Wisconsin’s Road America and Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course. 

Both of Herta’s races he started on pole went south for the driver of the No. 26 Honda. At Road America, a differing tire strategy derailed his chances late as Herta fell from the lead to fifth in the closing laps.

One week later at Mid-Ohio, Herta led 26 laps before a pit-road speeding penalty on his final stop cost him a podium effort. He finished 11th.

Despite a dismal season, Herta managed to vault from 21st to ninth in the Indianapolis 500, nearly equalling his best result in the Greatest Spectacle in Racing (eighth, 2020). 

Herta will contest his sixth full-time IndyCar Series season next year.