Andretti Global’s Colton Herta secured a thrilling victory at the 2024 Toronto Grand Prix, breaking his 41-race IndyCar winless streak. Driving the #26 Gainbridge Honda, the 25-year-old American started from pole position and led for 81 of the 85 laps in a commanding display.
Herta’s win not only highlighted his individual breakthrough but also delivered Andretti Global’s first 1-2 finish since their 2023 rebranding, as teammate Kyle Kirkwood finished just 0.3469 seconds behind. This triumph marked Herta’s eighth career IndyCar win and ended a frustrating run without a podium top spot.
Reflecting on the Victory and Season Challenges
After the race, Herta expressed relief and pride in breaking the prolonged drought. He said,
“We needed this so bad. We’ve been competitive all year, but we just haven’t been able to get the final result. It was a big day.”
He further commented on the significance of the win, adding,
“We’ve been knocking on the door to win for so long. Forty-one starts without a win is a long time, and it’s been disappointing for us. We are a team that demands perfection. I’m so happy. The Gainbridge Honda was incredibly fast.”
His dominance was evident throughout the event, as he posted the fastest laps in all three practice sessions, signaling readiness that translated into race day success.
Season Performance and Teammate Rivalry at the Forefront
Despite this breakthrough, Herta has faced a challenging 2024 season compared to his previous campaigns. The California native currently ranks ninth in the drivers‘ standings with 244 points, a noticeable drop from his runner-up finish the prior year with 513 points. Meanwhile, teammate Kyle Kirkwood has surged ahead, claiming three wins and closely pursuing championship leader Alex Palou.
Before the XPEL Grand Prix at Road America, Herta candidly reflected on his season amid Kirkwood’s rise:
“Yeah, I mean it’s unfortunate for us, but if it’s not me that is winning, you want a teammate to win. You want somebody to take points out of Palou, which is the main thing. It’s good to know that the team is winning, and that makes everybody happy and excited around the shop. But for me, you know, I need to start winning.”
Setbacks Amid Competitive Moments
Herta’s 2024 campaign has included moments of promise tempered by unexpected challenges. For example, at the Chevrolet Detroit Grand Prix on June 1, he qualified on pole and was poised for victory. However, after the first pit-stop cycle, a collision with Arrow McLaren’s Nolan Siegel disrupted his rhythm, allowing teammate Kirkwood to take over the lead and eventually win the race.
This incident underscored the difficulties Herta has faced this season despite his strong performance potential.
Implications of the Toronto Win for Herta and Andretti Global
Colton Herta’s win in Toronto carries more than just personal relief; it signals a resurgence that could shift momentum for both the driver and Andretti Global. Ending such an extended winless streak may boost confidence for upcoming races, especially as the team battles for championship contention.
The competitive edge displayed by Herta and the close second by Kirkwood emphasize Andretti Global’s growing strength in the 2024 IndyCar season. Looking ahead, sustained performances like Toronto’s could reshape the championship landscape and inspire the team’s pursuit of further victories.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Why isn’t Colton Herta in F1?
A. For a while, there have been talks about IndyCar driver Herta moving to F1. Helmut Marko was interested in placing him in AlphaTauri in mid-2022. However, the FIA did not give Herta a super license because he didn’t have the needed 40 points.
Q. Is Colton Herta good enough for F1?
A. Colton Herta possesses the skills necessary to compete in Formula 1 racing. According to 1978 world champion Mario Andretti, the team has always seen Colton as a key driver.