American driver Colton Herta is preparing to enter Formula 1 with Red Bull’s AlphaTauri youth team in 2023, pending a decision on his FIA super license.
Herta, 22 years old, currently races in IndyCar, tested this year’s F1 machinery with McLaren and has been linked with a seat at AlphaTauri if Pierre Gasly leaves the team to go to Alpine to replace Fernando Alonso.
The Californian driver doesn’t currently have the 40 super license points needed to drive F1 from his race results in another series.
The FIA, the racing governing body, has considered making exceptions for Herta around the number of points scored in the COVID-reduced seasons up to the extent he has reached the required level.
Helmut Marko, head of Red Bull’s popular driver program, is convinced Herta will make an exception.
“We’ve looked at the regulations, we’ve discussed it with the FIA, and because of COVID there’s a special regulation that can take you three years. [from four] and also if a result is not the maximum score and is outside the driver [hands] they can give points,” Marko told SpeedCity Broadcasting on SiriusXM.
“So there’s nothing ridiculous. He’s won seven IndyCar races and that’s comparable to a Grand Prix I think, so it would be a shame if he didn’t get his super. “
When asked if Herta would enter F1 racing if approved, Marko replied: “Surprisingly, all the parties and teams involved, we have found an agreement.”
Marko added that he expects that super-licensing decision to come next week at Monza ahead of the Italian Grand Prix.
The news could also mean the confirmation of Gasly’s move to Alpine, adding: “If the deal is successful then it will be in Monza, for Pierre of course.”
The super license for Herta can be controversial.
The system is set up to ensure drivers cannot enter F1 without enough good championship results in other systems.
F1 boss Stefano Domenicali said earlier this week the sport must be careful not to set a precedent for the sake of one driver.
“The sport needs to respect the rules,” Domenicali told Autosport. “And, of course, American drivers or other drivers are important. If he qualifies for F1 because he has points, that’s great news.
“But there’s a ladder to follow, there’s a process to respect, and that’s the situation. So that’s really what I believe is the right thing to do.”
