Colton Herta experienced an unusual spin during the first practice session of the Mid-Ohio race weekend, resulting in rear-end damage to his No. 26 car. The incident left the 25-year-old driver puzzled, as the car appeared to lose control without a clear cause, highlighting the challenges he faced early at the 2.258-mile circuit.
Herta, one of the eight drivers who have won at Mid-Ohio, claimed his only victory there in 2020 and is considered among the leading contenders for Sunday’s race. However, his 2025 <a href="https://www.buzzineintl.com/category/motorsports/indycar/”>IndyCar season has been difficult so far, with only one podium finish in nine races, hindered by mechanical issues and misfortune.
Determined to improve his standing, Herta approached the 13-turn track with confidence but encountered problems during practice, including two off-track moments. While his first excursion left him unharmed, the second led to heavy damage to his rear wing after hitting the barriers. Reflecting on the accident, Herta said:
“When I lost it, yeah, it was just the rear right from turning. I don’t know, it just seemed like overall maybe a little bit low grip and really unforgiving. If you kind of charged in too hard or you really over slipped one end of the car, it seemed like a lot worse than normal. So it is, I think, maybe a little bit more challenging than before. I’m not sure why. That’s the way I feel.”
—Colton Herta, Andretti Driver
Throughout his time at Mid-Ohio, Herta has earned one win, two pole positions, and four top-10 finishes, marking the venue as one of his successful tracks.
Mid-Ohio Weekend Remains Among Herta’s Favorites Despite Early Setbacks
Although his practice session was interrupted by crashes, Herta managed to finish seventh fastest overall. His teammate, Kyle Kirkwood, led the first practice, demonstrating Andretti’s competitiveness at this road course.
Before the weekend began, Herta expressed his fondness for the Mid-Ohio event, highlighting both his past success and the enthusiastic atmosphere created by fans during the Fourth of July weekend. He shared:
“It’s a track where I’ve had success, and I’m hoping to build on that this weekend in the Gainbridge Honda. The fans always show up in a big way over the Fourth of July weekend, and the energy they bring makes Mid-Ohio one of my favorites of the season.”
—Colton Herta, Andretti Driver
Currently, Colton Herta ranks 10th in the standings as the IndyCar championship moves into the latter stages of the 2025 season.
Herta’s unusual crash and early challenges at Mid-Ohio underscore the unpredictability of racing on this demanding circuit. As the race weekend progresses, his ability to adapt and recover will be critical to maintaining his status as a strong contender for victory at this familiar track. The outcome here may also influence his momentum heading into the second half of the championship.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Why isn’t Colton Herta in F1?
A. IndyCar driver Herta has been connected to a possible switch to F1 for a while. Helmut Marko wanted him to join AlphaTauri in mid-2022. However, the FIA did not provide him a super licence because he lacked the necessary 40 points.