In recent weeks the name of Colton Herta it often rang in the ears of Formula 1 fans. The young Californian driver, in fact, had quickly become the chosen one by the AlphaTauri team in the event that Pierre Gasly’s departure for Alpine was given the go-ahead. Helmut Marko, ultimately responsible for the Red Bull family in the management of drivers, had placed the standard bearer of the Andretti Autosport team in the IndyCar championship at the top of his list. Herta, however, despite having won seven races in four seasons in the American top racing series, is without the SuperLicenza to compete in F1. This, combined with the will of the FIA not to make any exceptions, stopped the possibility of the transfer in the bud.
The SuperLicense issue has angered many of Herta’s colleagues across the ocean, but now it emerges that that may not have been the only reason for the disagreement between the parties. According to what Marko himself stated on the German site Auto Motor und SportIn fact, Michael Andretti himself would have re-launched in order to be able to keep one of the most interesting prospects of stars and stripes motorsport with him for a few more seasons. “Andretti has increased the offer to Herta to make him stay there”explained the Graz executive.
A further obstacle, then, was represented by very close relationship between Herta and McLaren. In fact, the Woking team had organized a test for the Californian a few months ago, letting him drive the 2021 car. “If he wants to come to us he must settle his obligations towards McLaren and Andretti”Marko insisted. A definitive closure which however does not preclude the possibility of Herta arriving one day in the Circus. “Michael (Andretti) wants to take me to F1 and this too is not an offer that expires in the short term – Herta said in a recent interview – there may be other opportunities in the coming years. For example if someone wants to sell the team or if a new builder arrives“, He concluded.
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