For Norris, Herta is “capable of being at the level” of Formula 1

Rumors of new teams in Formula 1 are going well lately, with the one around Michael Andretti's project in pole position. The American is aiming to enter the discipline in 2024 and, if this comes to fruition, he should take the opportunity to bring a compatriot with him. 

“A true American team, with at least one American driver, having the means to achieve its ambitions, willing to invest and who comes for the long term, makes sense for F1, its stakeholders and its fans, explained his father Mario to AUTOhebdo in our recent carpool. An Andretti team on the grid is an important contribution to F1 as a whole. » If the project one day reaches its goal, which current drivers from across the Atlantic would be able to land on the grid with Andretti?

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Colton Herta seems the closest to such a promotion to date. The IndyCar driver was also hired by McLaren as a test driver. The Californian will thus have the opportunity to drive with the 1 Formula 2021, the MCL35M as part of the TPC, the Testing of Previous Cars.

“Colton is a proven talent in IndyCar and we will be interested to see how it will fit into a Formula 1 car, explained Andreas Seidl, Team Principal of McLaren F1. We believe this testing program will provide him with valuable experience while demonstrating the benefit of expanding on previous car testing to showcase promising drivers for the future. » A new important step for the American with a view to entering F1, he who is associated with rumors of the arrival of Andretti, whether through the takeover of Sauber which collapsed in 2021 or as a new entity for 2024.

Norris pleads for Herta

At a press conference before the Canadian Grand Prix, Lando Norris was asked about Andretti's possible arrival with Herta. “I think it would be good (to see new teams arriving in Formula 1. Editor’s note). I see more cars as a good thing, probably. It wouldn't take much more, but I think if it's 22 or 24 it would be a decent number. It was like that a few years ago when I grew up watching Formula 1. It's great, it gives more opportunities for people to get into F1 too and if it's for anyone like Colton, so it's fully deserved. I was his teammate in 2015 (at Carlin in British F4. Editor’s note) and we have a lot of good memories together, I know how good a driver he is. He's showing it in IndyCar right now. »

Trevor Carlin recently told us that that year, they knew very quickly that they had two champions. Norris was also crowned, while his teammate finished in third place. The Briton, however, believes that the American will have to adapt his driving style if he is to become an F1 driver. “They are different riding styles, I think he should adapt, Judge Norris. He may not be known for being a tire manager. It's something you have to get used to when riding Pirellis. Other than that, he's very talented. He's a lovely guy, a hard worker too. He is capable of being at the level required to be in Formula 1.” Will Colton Herta have the opportunity to confirm Lando Norris' comments?