A number of prominent US racing drivers have criticized the F1 chief after IndyCar star Colton Herta missed out on a spot on the grid for 2023 at AlphaTauri.
After the recent Dutch Grand Prix, Red Bull adviser Helmut Marko said the team is in talks with Andretti Autosport’s driver about a move to F1 next season. He was set to race at AlphaTauri, replacing the Alpine-bound Pierre Gasly.
But there was one big stumbling block. Herta does not have the points required to obtain the mandatory super license to drive in Formula 1.
The American has failed to reach the required 40 points by 2023. Additionally, F1 chiefs were reluctant to implement rule changes that were the only way for Hertha to join his 2023 grid.
F1 chief Stefano Domenicali explained to Autosport: I think applying the rules is the right thing to do.
“And if there are points to discuss, if the rules need to be updated, there are proper forums where everyone can bring their ideas and points of discussion. But today, the rules are to be respected. It’s my opinion.”
From Colton Herta to Alpha Tauri
On Friday, German news outlet Motorsport-Magazin (via The Race) claimed that the deal to bring Colton Hertha to F1 is now off.
Meanwhile, Motorsport-Total has posted a quote from Marko criticizing the F1 chief for keeping Hertha out of the sport due to his current super license points. It is also said that part of the reason Red Bull wanted Hertha was to expand its interest in the US market.
It remains to be seen what teams will choose to fill the first driver slot. Gasly could still remain, as no deal has yet been announced between the French and Alpine.
However, French outlet AutoHebdo claims AlphaTauri are close to agreeing a deal to have Nick de Vries drive for them next season and expects Gasly to leave. The team’s other driver is Yuki Tsunoda, who will likely retain his seat for 2023.
Hertha, meanwhile, has a development deal with McLaren Racing for 2022, but The Race has announced that his current team, Andretti Autosport, will continue his IndyCar development next season. I understand that you plan to retain
US drivers criticize F1 over Hertha’s decision
Following reports that Colton Hertha failed to secure a F1 grid seat for 2023, several American drivers have slammed the sport for its decision to exempt the talented star from super license rules. Did.
Former NASCAR champion Brad Keselowski said, “One thing that has been consistent in motorsport over the last few decades is the F1 garage telling Americans, ‘You are not welcome here. That’s what it means.
Meanwhile, Hertha’s fellow IndyCar driver Graham Rahal said: they don’t want us Remember that. They want the money of US corporations, the money of wealthy US individuals. But they don’t care about the rest. It has always been so and always will be. “
But Indy stars Scott McLaughlin and Joseph Newgarden had a more lighthearted view of the story. McLaughlin, who joined the series from his V8 supercar in Australia in 2021, posted a photo of the two drivers with the caption.
