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Heritage and Homage: Colton Herta on the History Behind His 2026 F2 Helmet Design
Hitech driver Colton Herta has opened up on carrying his father Bryan's 1990s styling and a tribute to Dan Wheldon into his Formula 2 campaign.
By Lesley Bakker - 2026-08-18 00:00:00.000 - 4 min read
Colton Herta's helmet remains one of the most instantly recognizable sights on the Formula 2 grid this season. Rather than adopting the intricate, hyper-stylised trends common across the modern junior single-seater paddock, the Hitech driver has stayed committed to a visual identity grounded in family history and personal memory. At the very core of the layout sits a direct evolution of the paint scheme raced by his father, Bryan Herta, throughout the 1990s.
Bringing the design into the present era required only minor updates to modernise the lines without losing the spirit of the original. When viewed side by side with his father's vintage helmet, the core geometry and key features remain unmistakable. The colour palette leans into a bold red, white, and blue scheme, although the shades have shifted slightly darker from the lighter tones used during his father's IndyCar career.
While the combination of colours and star elements naturally evokes the American flag, Herta explained that the resemblance developed organically rather than from a deliberate patriotic brief. He frequently alters the trim on his helmet between events rather than keeping it strictly white, allowing for subtle visual rotation around the base design while preserving the iconic foundational look.
Another subtle touch from his past preferences can still be found at the rear of the lid, where faint honeycomb detailing remains visible. Herta admitted that while he was once a strong advocate for honeycomb textures, he now considers the effect somewhat dated and has scaled it back in favour of a cleaner, more timeless surface.
Modern commercial obligations have also subtly shaped the frontal view of his 2026 lid. The addition of prominent Cadillac branding across the front rim introduces an extra visual element to an otherwise clean composition. Although Herta prefers minimalist aesthetics, he acknowledged that integrating partner requirements is a natural compromise that still leaves the overall look sharp and cohesive.
Beyond the family aesthetic, the most poignant detail sits on the back of the helmet, where the number 98 is paired with the Union Jack. Despite having no direct personal ties to the United Kingdom, Herta chose to run the British flag specifically to pay tribute to the late Dan Wheldon, honouring the driver in the way he feels is most meaningful.
The tribute directly recalls Wheldon's emotional victory at the 2011 Indianapolis 500, which he secured driving the number 98 entry for Bryan Herta Autosport. That remarkable triumph stands as Wheldon's final major race victory. For the younger Herta, carrying that specific number and flag combination represents a deeply personal way to keep the memory of a close family friend alive on track.
Growing up around the American racing paddock left an indelible mark on Herta, who was surrounded by what was often referred to as a super team of Bryan Herta, Dan Wheldon, Dario Franchitti, and Tony Kanaan. With those drivers regularly partnering his father, the young Herta naturally gravitated toward cheering for them at race weekends, developing a lasting bond with Wheldon that made a profound impact on his childhood.
That emotional connection continues to carry weight today as the Wheldon family makes its own mark on the sport. Herta expressed genuine excitement at watching Dan's widow, Susie, and their sons pursue their racing aspirations across programmes in both Europe and the United States, adding further significance to carrying the tribute throughout his own international campaign.
Unlike many contemporaries who rotate liveries constantly, Herta prefers long-term continuity over frequent special editions. His most notable recent departure came at the 2024 season finale in Nashville, where he took victory wearing a dark, one-off palette of black, yellow, grey, and white to match his car's livery.
While future opportunities, including potential outings for Cadillac, might prompt occasional bespoke helmets to coordinate with specific car liveries, Herta remains resolute about his everyday look. The enduring connection to his father's career and the tribute to Wheldon ensure that the classic design remains the true cornerstone of his racing identity.