Colton Herta isn’t a fan of the phrase “championship or bust,” but there’s no doubt he knows what it’s like to come close. After finishing runner-up in the 2024 NTT IndyCar Series standings, the Andretti Global driver enters 2025 with a clear understanding of just how difficult it is to win a title.
Yet, despite the near-miss, Herta refuses to let the weight of expectations define his upcoming season. Instead of viewing 2025 as a do-or-die campaign, he’s choosing to approach it with a focused yet balanced mindset.
A Tough Near-Miss in 2024
Herta’s 2024 campaign was arguably his most complete season to date. Consistency, speed, and a handful of victories kept him in the thick of the championship battle throughout the year. However, as is often the case in IndyCar, a few key moments over the course of the season made the difference between first and second place.
While falling short of the ultimate goal stung, Herta sees value in the experience. “I know what it feels like to be that close but not get it done,” he admitted. “But I don’t think putting the label of ‘championship or bust’ on 2025 helps me or the team. We know what we’re capable of, and the goal is to be better in every way.”
The Evolution of Colton Herta
Since bursting onto the IndyCar scene with Harding Steinbrenner Racing in 2019, Herta has established himself as one of the series’ most naturally gifted drivers. His aggressive yet controlled driving style, coupled with raw speed, has made him a constant threat on road and street courses. But as he has matured, so has his approach to competing for championships.
In past years, occasional over-aggression or strategy missteps cost him valuable points. However, 2024 showed a more refined and calculated version of Herta. His ability to string together consistent finishes ultimately put him in title contention.
Heading into 2025, he wants to take that next step. “I feel like I’ve learned a lot about how to manage a championship fight. It’s about maximizing every race, not just trying to win every single one,” he said.
Andretti’s Role in the Title Fight
Herta’s confidence isn’t just based on his own growth—it also stems from the strength of his Andretti Global team. The organization has made significant strides, and with its continued partnership with Honda, it aims to deliver a car capable of challenging for wins week in and week out.
“We had a great car last year, but there were still areas where we could improve,” Herta explained. “We’re working on those things now to make sure we’re even stronger in 2025.”
The Right Mentality for Success
While some drivers might put immense pressure on themselves after finishing second in a championship, Herta remains focused without becoming consumed by the title chase. He understands that obsessing over the outcome won’t necessarily produce better results.
“We’re here to win races and fight for championships, but the best way to do that is to stay in the moment and focus on what we can control,” he said.
With a combination of experience, talent, and a measured mindset, Colton Herta heads into 2025 as a driver fully capable of claiming his first IndyCar title. And while he won’t call it “championship or bust,” there’s no doubt he’s ready to finish what he started.
