Herta's Indy 500 hopes blocked by F2 calendar change

Conflict with Formula 2 schedule prevents IndyCar star from racing at Indianapolis

Apr. 9, 2026 at 3:18pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A fractured, cubist-style painting depicting the silhouettes of a Formula 2 race car and an Indianapolis 500 car broken down into sharp, overlapping geometric shapes in a palette of dark blues, greys, and reds, conceptually representing the scheduling conflict that prevents Colton Herta from competing in both series.The conflicting demands of Formula 2 and the Indianapolis 500 force rising American driver Colton Herta to miss out on the chance to race at the Brickyard.Indianapolis Today

Colton Herta, the rising American IndyCar driver, has seen his hopes of competing in the 2026 Indianapolis 500 dashed due to a scheduling conflict with the Formula 2 championship, where he is currently competing in his bid to reach Formula 1.

Why it matters

The Indianapolis 500 is one of the most prestigious races in motorsports, and Herta's participation would have been a major draw for American open-wheel racing fans. However, the demands of his Formula 2 campaign have taken priority, preventing him from making a return to the Brickyard.

The details

Herta, who finished second in the 2025 Indianapolis 500, was planning to add a fourth car to his IndyCar team's Indianapolis 500 effort. However, the Formula 2 calendar has been revised, creating an overlap with the Indy 500 that makes it impossible for Herta to compete in both events.

  • The 2026 Indianapolis 500 is scheduled for May 25.
  • The revised Formula 2 calendar now conflicts with the Indy 500 date.

The players

Colton Herta

A rising American open-wheel racing driver currently competing in Formula 2 as part of his bid to reach Formula 1.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

The takeaway

Herta's inability to compete in the Indianapolis 500 this year is a disappointment for American racing fans, but it highlights the challenges young drivers face in balancing the demands of different racing series as they pursue their Formula 1 dreams.