Colton Herta and Andretti were found to be in breach of technical regulations after the Thermal Club Grand Prix.
Herta enjoyed a competitive day at the Thermal Club, starting from the third row of the grid.
Although unable to catch the Arrow McLarens during the race, he still came home a respectable fourth place.
Holding the final place on the podium, the closing stages, he was powerless to prevent a charging Alex Palou from taking victory.
However, upon examination after the race, the no.26 was found to be in breach of technical regulations.
Technical violation at the Thermal Club
In a statement released on Indycar’s official website, it was confirmed that the team incorrectly attached the anti-intrusion plates.
During post-race technical inspection Sunday, INDYCAR discovered the team incorrectly attached the anti-intrusion plates on the aft leg of the front lower wishbones by using only one plate per side of the chassis instead of the two per side (a total of four), which were mandated in a Dallara bulletin released Feb. 14, 2025.
The safety-inspired anti-intrusion plates were introduced to INDYCAR chassis following the 2015 practice incident involving driver James Hinchcliffe at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
Deemed a violation, the penalty is a monetary fine and docking of 10 championship points, adding further disappointment for Colton Herta.
According to the rulebook, the violation is considered a Non-Race Procedure Penalty (9.2.3.), which includes the issuance of a monetary fine (9.2.3.2.) and the forfeiture of points and awards (9.2.3.5.).
The No. 26 entry has been fined $25,000 and will forfeit 10 championship entrant points and all prize money associated with the race at The Thermal Club.
As a result of the fine, car no.26 drops to P10 in the standings behind the Team Penske car of Scott McLaughlin, no.3.
Andretti and Herta will have a chance to bounce back at the next round at Long Beach on April 13th.
Colton Herta has not won since the 2024 Music City Grand Prix in Nashville. After winning the opening two rounds, Alex Palou comfortably leads the 2025 standings.
