Colton Herta faced another setback in the 2025 IndyCar season after an early exit in Round 1 qualifying at Road America. Competing in Group 2 alongside several top drivers, Herta was unable to advance to Round 2 under stiff competition, continuing his recent run of challenges. The disappointing performance highlighted ongoing struggles for the Andretti Global driver during this season.
Following the session, Herta shared his frustration in an interview, expressing deep disappointment in how his weekend was unfolding.
“Yeah, pretty poor. Nothing to really be happy about, with that one. So, yeah, I don’t really have much to say. I think we haven’t been on it this weekend, unfortunately, and we need to find some stuff for tomorrow for sure,” Herta said via IndyCar on X.
Recent Race Difficulties: Herta’s Struggles at the Bommarito Automotive Group 500
Herta’s troubles extend beyond Road America, having also delivered a lackluster performance in the recent Bommarito Automotive Group 500, a grueling 260-lap event on an oval track. He finished in 17th place, unable to contend effectively amid fierce competition. Meanwhile, his teammate Kyle Kirkwood secured a victory at the same race, intensifying the contrast in their results.
After the race, Herta expressed his frustration with the car’s balance and setup issues that he believed contributed to his poor finish.
“Congrats to Kyle, but it was a super frustrating night for the Gainbridge team. We just lost the balance of the car. We had a very similar starting setup between us and the No. 27 team, so we need to go back and figure out what happened. Like I said, I’m happy for Kyle and the team, but just really frustrated for the No. 26,” Herta said via Andretti Global.
Comparing 2025 Performance to Previous Season’s Success
Herta’s underwhelming performance in 2025 is particularly surprising considering his strong showing last year. In the 2024 IndyCar campaign, the 25-year-old driver finished second overall, amassing 513 points, backed by two wins, three pole positions, and consistent top-five and top-ten finishes. This made his current difficulties a sharp contrast compared to the momentum he carried into this season.
By comparison, this year Herta is ninth in the drivers‘ standings with just 170 points, trailing notable competitors such as Scott McLaughlin, Will Power, Felix Rosenqvist, Scott Dixon, Christian Lundgaard, Kyle Kirkwood, Pato O’Ward, and championship leader Alex Palou.
Implications and Outlook for Herta’s Season
Colton Herta’s ongoing struggles in the 2025 IndyCar season present significant challenges as he aims to regain his form. With pressure mounting after a series of disappointing outings, including Road America qualifying and the Bommarito Automotive Group 500, finding solutions to his team’s balance and setup problems will be critical for improved results. The disparity between his performance and that of teammates and rivals adds urgency to his efforts ahead. How Herta and Andretti Global address these issues in coming races will likely determine his trajectory for the remainder of the season.