The decision by the FIA to stage two F2 makeup races in Miami and Canada next month has ended any chance of Colton Herta driving in the Indianapolis 500.
The top ladder series in Formula 1 lost two races in the Middle East that were cancelled due the conflict in Iran. Unlike the top series, F2 has to make up the races for contractual reasons.
Andretti Global had planned to run car 98 as their fourth entry with Herta as the driver. The original F2 schedule had no race43s in May. Team owner Dan Towriss first said that a replacement driver would fill the seat. He later said that that the team would just go with their fulltime IndyCar series lineup.
The 98 car, which has been a fourth entry for Andretti since the team downsized to three full time cars, had been driven in the 500 by Marco Andretti, who retired after the 2025 race. Many drivers were interested, but the team decided there was no one that fit their profile.
Without the 9, there are 32 entries for the 110th running of the Indianapolis 500. One of the smaller teams, either Dale Coyne Racing or A. J. Foyt Racing, will need to field a third car. Prema is still attempting to get a car entered for the race, but I am not holding my breath.
A shortage of drivers is not the issue. It is all about money and available equipment. Some drivers seeking a ride are Katherine Legge, Stefan Wilson, and Devlin deFrancesco. All three can bring money to a team. One name which hasn’t been mentioned is J. R. Hildebrand. I have no idea why.
I am positive there will be 33 starters for the race. We are at the point where we have one lst puzzle pice that just can’t find where to go.
Notes
A. J. Foyt Racing has signed Toby Sowery as a reserve driver. Sowery starred in Indy Lights and has been driving in IMSA the last two years.
According to the team press release, Sowery will begin his role at the next round in long beach.
“In his role as Reserve Driver, Sowery will support the team across testing, simulator development and race operations, providing experienced technical feedback while maintaining full race readiness throughout the season,” the release states.
From yesterday
The Pit Window by Mike Silver 