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IndyCar's Alexander Rossi Gives F1 Thumbs Up to Colton Herta
The 2016 Indianapolis 500 winner says Herta won't lose sleep over his Formula 1 opportunity.
Jan. 28, 2026 at 2:23am
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Former Andretti Global IndyCar driver Colton Herta is set to compete in the FIA Formula 2 series this year, with the goal of earning enough points for a Super License that would qualify him to eventually step up to the Formula 1 Championship with the newly minted American Cadillac team. While the US media seems worried that Herta will carry massive pressure, his former teammate and 2016 Indianapolis 500 winner Alexander Rossi says that is not the case, and that Herta is simply excited for the opportunity.
Why it matters
Herta's potential move to Formula 1 is significant as he would be one of the few American drivers to compete at the highest level of open-wheel racing in recent years. His success or failure could have implications for the popularity and growth of motorsports in the United States.
The details
Herta is currently racing in the FIA Formula 2 series for the Hitech TGR team, hoping to earn enough points for a Super License that would allow him to step up to Formula 1. Rossi, who made five Formula 1 starts himself, says Herta is not feeling abnormal pressure and is simply excited for the opportunity, stating "whether it goes well or not, I can promise you, he won't lose any sleep over it." Rossi also noted that Herta's performance in Formula 1 could impact the NTT IndyCar Series, which opens its calendar on March 1 in St. Petersburg, Florida.
- Herta is currently racing in the 2026 FIA Formula 2 season.
- The 2026 NTT IndyCar Series season opens on March 1 in St. Petersburg, Florida.
The players
Colton Herta
A second-generation IndyCar driver who is currently competing in the FIA Formula 2 series, hoping to earn enough points for a Super License that would qualify him to eventually step up to the Formula 1 Championship with the newly minted American Cadillac team.
Alexander Rossi
The 2016 Indianapolis 500 winner and former teammate of Colton Herta, who says Herta is simply excited for the opportunity to compete in Formula 1 and won't lose sleep over the results.
What they’re saying
“Colton doesn't carry any weight, because whether it goes well or not, I can promise you, he won't lose any sleep over it.”
— Alexander Rossi, 2016 Indianapolis 500 winner
“But I think he's very excited about the opportunity to go and experience something new and something that ultimately was a dream of his as a child.”
— Alexander Rossi, 2016 Indianapolis 500 winner
What’s next
Herta will continue competing in the 2026 FIA Formula 2 season, with the goal of earning enough points for a Super License that would qualify him to eventually step up to the Formula 1 Championship with the newly minted American Cadillac team.
The takeaway
Colton Herta's potential move to Formula 1 represents an exciting opportunity for an American driver to compete at the highest level of open-wheel racing, and his success or failure could have significant implications for the growth and popularity of motorsports in the United States.
