IndyCar: Herta and Gainbridge extend Andretti deal through 2027 (Update)

Word is that Herta’s new IndyCar contract is worth $7 million per year in the anticipation that Andretti will take Herta to F1 (f he ever gets a team approved).

If true, Herta is now the highest-paid driver in IndyCar.

$7 million is a significant number for an IndyCar driver salary, but it helps keep Herta in the fold and not be lured to F1 by another team should Andretti never make it into F1.

INDYCAR race winner Colton Herta has signed an extension to remain with Andretti Autosport through 2027. With continued support from Gainbridge, a Group 1001 company, through a concurrent extension, Herta will pilot the No. 26 Gainbridge Honda in the 2023 NTT INDYCAR season – and beyond. 

“We’re really pleased to confirm that Colton and Gainbridge will remain with Andretti Autosport for years to come,” said the team’s Chairman and CEO Michael Andretti. “Colton is a true talent in a race car and has natural determination that makes him want to win. He’s a strong competitor and a good teammate. I’m looking forward to seeing what Colton and Andretti can continue to achieve together.”

“We’ve been really proud to represent Gainbridge, and to have given them their first racing victory with Colton in 2020 — and four more since,” added Andretti. “On and off the track we share a commitment to compete at the top level and look forward to seeing Colton return to victory lane in the yellow and black Gainbridge colors.”

“Gainbridge is proud to continue its successful relationship with Andretti through this new contract extension with Colton.  We have high hopes for both Colton and Gainbridge and believe they’re destined to become household names,” said Dan Towriss, CEO and President of Group 1001, the parent company of Gainbridge.  “With his natural talent and winning spirit, Colton won’t stop until he changes the landscape of racing. He’s the perfect representative for Gainbridge, who is changing the landscape of financial services.”

Herta first joined Andretti in 2020 after a breakout rookie season in 2019 where he claimed — and retains — the title of youngest driver to win an INDYCAR race. The 2023 season will mark Herta’s fifth year of NTT INDYCAR SERIES competition and marks the fifth year of sponsorship for Gainbridge, and a sixth season overall for Group 1001. Group 1001, through its Gainbridge brand, has partnered with Andretti since 2018 to bring awareness to the NTT INDYCAR SERIES while working towards its mission to inspire STEM learning and career exploration.  Together, Andretti, Herta and Gainbridge have captured six pole position starts and five INDYCAR wins. Prior to his INDYCAR debut, Herta collected 65 Indy Lights race starts with Andretti.

“I’m super happy and grateful for everything the entire Andretti and Gainbridge teams have done for me,” said Herta. “This is a huge step for me professionally and I’m so glad it can be with a top team like Andretti Autosport. We have big goals and a lot of work ahead of us, but I can’t be happier to do it with this team and represent Gainbridge!”

Herta will join teammates Romain Grosjean (No. 28 DHL Honda), Kyle Kirkwood (No. 27 AutoNation Honda) and Devlin DeFrancesco (No. 29 Andretti Steinbrenner Honda) as the 2023 INDYCAR campaign kicks off March 5 on the streets of St. Petersburg, Florida.