‘I don’t want to be an exception’: IndyCar’s Max Verstappen expects no favours from the FIA to force his way into F1
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Colton Herta
One of the main purposes of the FIA’s super license system is to stop pay drivers from well, paying their way into Formula 1. But as McLaren CEO Zak Brown pointed out in reference to Colton Herta, even drivers like Kimi Raikkonen and Max Verstappen would not have been eligible for a super license at the time that they made their debuts, which is perhaps an indirect comparison.
Colton Herta was the frontrunner for the AlphaTauri seat, and as he has won 7 races in IndyCar, his credentials aren’t in a world of doubt. Unfortunately for him, he only possesses 32 of the 40 required super license points he needs to race in Formula 1, and when AlphaTauri (and Red Bull) tried to seek an exemption for the rule, they were turned down.
While AlphaTauri have shifted their attention to Nyck de Vries, Colton Herta has still not given up hope of driving in F1 one day. While he obviously won’t be able to do so next year, maybe 2024 is possible. Herta had apparently impressed in his test with McLaren and was apparently even being considered as Daniel Ricciardo’s replacement, but that seat has gone to Oscar Piastri.
Colton Herta understands the FIA’s decision
While it was possible that Colton Herta may have been granted an exception, but it has not transpired. While he would certainly have taken that, in a conversation with Autosport, he revealed that it was not his preferred way of entering the sport:
Herta feels that IndyCar is ‘underrepresented’ in the super license points system. Currently, the IndyCar winner gets the same amount of points (40) as an F2 winner: “I can understand the FIA’s position. I just feel that IndyCar is underrepresented in the super licence points structure. But from their (FIA) point of view, with the current points structure, I get it. And I don’t want to come in as ‘an exception’.”
There have long been talks of Andretti (who he currently drives for) entering Formula 1, but so far, all attempts have fallen through. However, Herta still has hope, and it’s possible he may (one day) enter the sport with Andretti, saying: “I think Michael’s prepared to put me into F1, there is some longevity to that offer. I would understand if by the time I’m 26 he doesn’t want to put me in an F1 car.”
Herta understands the FIA’s decision, saying that they obviously did not want to annoy all other drivers, teams, and manufacturers in their current setup just to accommodate one person into the sport. While this opportunity is gone, it’s possible Herta will have a chance once again in the future.
Also Read: Colton Herta’s F1 dreams fail to get a go-ahead as Red Bull withdraws support
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Aniket Tripathi
(1002 Articles Published)