During the 2025 Indy 500 at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, Colton Herta was penalized for speeding on pit road, putting his chances of a strong comeback in jeopardy. This penalty occurred more than 100 laps into the 200-lap race, significantly impacting Herta’s position and momentum.
Details of the Speeding Penalty and Race Progress
Colton Herta, starting from 29th position after struggling in qualifying, faced a tough challenge throughout the race. The speeding infraction on pit road resulted in a pass-through penalty, which could severely affect his progress. Renowned motorsport reporter Bob Pockrass confirmed the penalty via social media platform X, highlighting the setback for Herta.
Prior to the penalty, Herta was attempting to recover from a less-than-ideal start. His 29th position at the green flag meant he was at the rear of the 33-car field, forcing him to navigate considerable traffic as he pushed for advancement. In the previous year’s Indy 500, Herta finished 23rd after completing only 170 laps, hindered by an on-track incident, marking another difficult outing.
The 2024 race saw him finish behind drivers like Agustin Canapino (22nd), Kyffin Simpson (21st), and the legendary four-time winner Helio Castroneves (20th), emphasizing the tough competition and struggles Herta has faced at this event.
Colton Herta’s Emerging Role in Cadillac’s 2026 F1 Plans
Despite setbacks at the Indy 500, Colton Herta remains a prominent figure in discussions about Cadillac’s upcoming entry into Formula 1 in 2026. He is considered a candidate to fill one of the two available F1 seats for Cadillac’s debut season. However, challenges remain concerning his eligibility based on Formula 1’s super license points system.
Cadillac F1 team boss Graeme Lowdon addressed Herta’s situation in March, explaining the hurdles posed by the driver’s current status. Lowdon emphasized that while Herta’s talent is unquestionable, the lack of the necessary super license points presents a significant barrier to his F1 aspirations.
“With regards to Colton, he doesn’t have the required number of super licence points, and if that were to remain the case, then that is clearly an impediment for him. We can’t choose a driver that doesn’t have the points, that is just the real world we live in and we have to take that into account. Does his lack of being at the threshold for the super licence in any way affect his ability to drive a race car? No, he is an incredibly talented driver,” Lowdon said via Racingnews365.
What Lies Ahead for Herta This Season
Though his entry into F1 remains uncertain, Herta could still earn the required super license points by performing consistently in the remainder of the 2025 IndyCar season. His path toward meeting these requirements will depend heavily on strong showings from races such as the Chevrolet Detroit Grand Prix onward.
Before the 2025 Indy 500, Herta held ninth position in the drivers‘ championship, a hopeful indicator that he can still climb the ranks. The speeding penalty at the Indy 500, however, complicates his trajectory, making the coming races critical for maintaining his chance to secure the crucial points needed for his Formula 1 ambitions.