Colton Herta
Share

Colton Herta: The IndyCar Prodigy Who Is Cadillac's New Rising Star

From IndyCar’s youngest winner to Cadillac’s 2026 F2 star, explore Colton Herta’s journey.

Get the latest on his move to Hitech TGR, F1 testing, net worth, and life off the track.

Brief overview of Colton Herta’s career in motorsport

Colton Herta started racing at a young age and quickly moved through the Road to Indy. He impressed teams early with his speed, control, and confidence against more experienced drivers. 

Andretti signed Herta after noticing his strong junior results and race maturity. He later became the youngest IndyCar race winner, which brought him widespread attention. As his profile grew, Herta was linked to opportunities involving Formula 2, Formula 1, and Cadillac growing involvement in the racing world.

Colton Herta’s age, family and early life

Colton Herta was born on March 30, 2000, and grew up in California. His father, Bryan Herta, raced professionally and later became a successful IndyCar team owner.

Racing was part of everyday family life, so Herta learned tracks and cars at an early age. He began karting as a child and quickly stood out for his natural driving ability.  Strong family guidance helped him avoid early mistakes while developing strong discipline and race awareness.

Colton Herta’s IndyCar career

Colton Herta at the 2025 Toronto IndyCar race
Colton Herta at the 2025 Toronto IndyCar race

Colton Herta made his IndyCar Series debut in September 2018 at Sonoma Raceway with Harding Racing, before stepping up full-time in 2019 with Harding Steinbrenner Racing. On March 24, 2019, at 18 years and 359 days old, he became the youngest race winner in IndyCar history after winning the IndyCar Classic at Circuit of the Americas in Austin, Texas. 

Later that year, on June 22, 2019, he also became the youngest pole-sitter in series history at Road America. Herta went on to earn multiple wins and podiums across several seasons with Andretti Autosport, regularly competing at the front of the field.

How did Colton Herta get to IMSA?

Colton Herta entered IMSA through Cadillac’s factory endurance racing program with Wayne Taylor Racing. In 2024, he competed in the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship’s major endurance events, including the Rolex 24 at Daytona, the 12 Hours of Sebring, and Petit Le Mans, driving the Cadillac ARX-06 in the GTP class. 

Herta won the 12 Hours of Sebring overall in 2024 and recorded a podium finish at the Rolex 24. His IMSA role strengthens his ties with Cadillac alongside his IndyCar career and his involvement with Cadillac’s Formula One project.

Colton Herta and his move to the Formula series

Colton Herta is set to make a major shift in his career by moving into the FIA Formula 2 Championship for the 2026 season with Hitech TGR, supported by Cadillac. This opportunity was confirmed as part of his broader role with the new Cadillac Formula One Team, where he is also a test driver ahead of Cadillac’s F1 debut in 2026. 

The move to F2 gives Herta valuable experience at tracks on the Formula 1 calendar and aims to help him earn the necessary FIA Super Licence points toward a potential F1 seat.

Notable moments and races in Colton Herta’s career

Colton Herta shocked fans by winning his first IndyCar race in 2019, making him the youngest IndyCar race winner in history. He later earned multiple victories and pole positions while driving for Andretti.

Colton Herta's P1 award at the 2025 Toronto IndyCar race
Colton Herta's P1 award at the 2025 Toronto IndyCar race

Across several seasons, he placed himself among championship contenders against veteran IndyCar drivers. His move to Formula 2 with Hitech TGR represented a major career shift. Connections to Formula 1 and F1 testing then followed through Cadillac support.

Colton Herta height: How tall is Colton Herta?

Colton Herta is about 5 feet 7 inches tall. His height suits modern IndyCar and Formula 2 cockpit designs. Maintaining fitness helps him handle the high-speed forces experienced during races.

What is Colton Herta’s net worth?

Colton Herta net worth estimates range between $2 million and $4 million.

His income comes from IndyCar salaries, bonuses, endorsements, and manufacturer support. Future success in Formula 1 or Formula 2 could increase his earnings further.

Colton Herta’s relationship status: Who is Colton Herta’s girlfriend?

Colton Herta keeps his personal relationships mostly private. Herta has been with his high-school sweetheart, Riley Flynn, for a number of years now but they keep their relationship more covert. Riley Flynn has attended numerous IndyCar races where she shows her support for Herta and it is suspected that she will continue to do so following his move to Hitech TGR in Formula 2.

Looking for more on IndyCar?

We highly recommend checking out our other IndyCar coverage to ensure you never miss out on all the activities and events happening throughout the race weekend!

Looking for the best IndyCar ticket and travel deals? We have you covered for every race on the calendar.

No items found.
This is some text inside of a div block.
No items found.
This is some text inside of a div block.
No items found.
This is some text inside of a div block.
No items found.
This is some text inside of a div block.
No items found.
This is some text inside of a div block.
Read all the latest Formula 1 news from around the web in the app
Download the app