Colton Herta supports the Mexico IndyCar event after Pato O’Ward's challenge to promoters.
As the IndyCar Series gets ready to venture abroad for its newly confirmed international event in Barcelona, excitement for expanding the American open-wheel championship internationally is gaining traction - particularly among the competitors.
The idea of hosting a future IndyCar race in Mexico has been a persistent subject of discussion in the paddock, with Arrow McLaren’s Pato O’Ward, hailing from Monterrey, at the forefront as the sport’s most beloved driver. Following the announcement of the Barcelona race during the F1 event in Mexico, O'Ward expressed his ongoing frustrations with local promoters, pointing out the challenges that have hindered a race in his native country. Previously, he has noted a lack of genuine enthusiasm and dedication among local organizers, cautioning that any potential event in Mexico would necessitate stakeholders who truly care about nurturing the sport rather than simply aiming for a quick financial gain.
When queried about the possibility of IndyCar thriving in Mexico despite these promotional challenges, nine-time IndyCar race victor and current Cadillac F1 test driver Colton Herta offered strong endorsement for the concept, emphasizing O'Ward's appeal and the distinctive technical requirements of the circuit.
“A thousand percent.” Herta remarked. “I believe it could be just as popular. A significant part of that is Pato and his following here. I think the racing would be phenomenal here. It would be fascinating to observe what an IndyCar could achieve on this track, especially with the curbing and its profiles. With an IndyCar, you can typically engage the curbs more aggressively than you would in Formula 1.”
Herta, 26, provides a unique perspective. Though closely associated with the American open-wheel racing scene through seven full-time seasons in IndyCar, the California native has spent this season connecting with Europe – competing in Formula 2 with Hitech while also participating in Cadillac’s F1 program. Recently completing his fifth FP1 session in Mexico City, Herta is set for his sixth Friday practice of the year at Interlagos this weekend, aiming to secure the final point needed for his long-sought FIA Superlicense to compete in F1.
Further contemplating the broader international direction of open-wheel racing and the newly established Barcelona date, Herta concluded:
“I believe it would deliver an excellent spectacle. I think Barcelona is a really exciting opportunity. It would be fantastic if they could follow it up with a race here.”
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