Will this American racing talent join Andretti in Formula 1?

Andretti in Formula 1

Michael Andretti is the boss of the Andretti racing team, but his father Mario has already let it be known that he would like to see Herta in Formula 1. These are interesting signs on the wall. People have been complaining about the lack of an American driver in Formula 1 for some time now. There are two Grands Prix planned for 2022 and possibly two American teams, but there is still no American driver to get excited about.

With the arrival of Andretti, however, that option is being reconsidered. Colton Herta is a great American talent and has been driving for Andretti for years. The American took his first IndyCar victory in his second race and has been a title contender every year since his arrival. In 2021, he finished fifth in the standings with three wins.

Andretti wants Herta and Herta may also be open to a European adventure. He already tried the switch in 2015 and 2016. Then he raced several championships in Europe, including the MSA Championship, in which he finished third in the final standings. The winner of that championship was Lando Norris.

Is Herta a serious option?

Despite a third place in the Euroformula Open and a second place in the Spanish F3 championship Herta returns to America after just two years. There he impressed for two seasons in the Indy Light championship, before making the switch to IndyCar. His Indy Light rival knows him like the back of his hand.

''He is a very talented and very fast individual. I think he has no problems there (in Formula One). Of course, it's not like he's going to come in there and crush everybody, but I think as a driver he has everything he needs to be successful. He will compete at the top if he gets the right car. I have no doubt about that'', said Patricio O'Ward to Motorsport.com.

F1 super license

One problem, however, is the super license. Drivers can only enter F1 if they have enough points for a super license. Despite Herta already being an established name in IndyCar, that doesn't provide enough points for a license. However, a dispensation could be granted to him, which makes sense with the American owners of F1 keen to attract extra fans from their country.

Should Herta become Giovinazzi's successor, he would be the first American in Formula One since Alexander Rossi in 2015. Rossi drove five races in Formula 1 for Marussia in 2015, with a 12th place finish at his home race being the highlight. Rossi is now Herta's teammate at Andretti and since leaving Formula One already managed to take an Indy 500 victory to his name in 2016 and also a win in the 24 Hours of Daytona.