Herta makes first step towards F1: test program with McLaren

If there is one driver in the American IndyCar series who will eventually end up in Formula 1, it seems to be Colton Herta. For ages the talent has been linked to a seat. But it never became really concrete. Until now.

If Michael Andretti joins Formula One with his own team, Herta will be a prime candidate to become one of the drivers. One small detail: Andretti cannot make his entrance until 2024 at the earliest, if at all. After all, the other teams aren't eager to jump on board. In the meantime, Herta would like to make his first kilometers in Formula 1. McLaren is now giving him that chance.

Herta will complete a number of private tests in a 2021 McLaren in 2022. For now, he is not scheduled to compete in free practice on a Friday, which is possible for young drivers. Still, Herta is pleased. “I want to thank McLaren for the opportunity to get my first laps in a Formula 1 car, which has always been on my racing bucket list. This will be a great opportunity for me to gain some valuable experience in a new form of motorsport and learn from such an established team like McLaren."

McLaren still has Daniel Ricciardo and Lando Norris signed for the next few years. It is therefore not obvious that Herta will be driving Grands Prix in the short term. According to team boss Andreas Seidl, the intention is therefore different: “Colton is a proven talent in IndyCar and we will be interested to see how he adapts to a Formula 1 car. We believe this testing programme will provide him with valuable experience while demonstrating the benefit of expanding previous car testing to showcase promising drivers for the future.”