When IndyCar drivers denounce the operation of the Super License

In recent days, the possibilities of Colton Herta being transferred to Formula 1 are diminishing. The 22-year-old driver has 32 points on his Super License at the end of the 2022 season and cannot therefore access F1, which requires a total of 40 points according to the scale of the International Federation of FXNUMX. automobile (FIA).

ALSO READ > Our three tips for Colton Herta to obtain his Super License

The idea of ​​an exemption for the Californian driver, winner of the Indianapolis Grand Prix last May, is no longer on the cards. A hypothesis that his father Bryan Herta rejected anyway. But it is the unofficial withdrawal ofAlpha Tauri, who could have offered him a few free practice sessions in order to grant him Super License points this fall with a view to tenure in 2023, which deals a new blow to Colton Herta.

Faced with this shaky scenario, Colton Herta's colleagues band together against the actions of F1. So, Graham rahal places itself in a posture of victimization towards the European world of F1. The son of Bobby Rahal, actor of theIndyCar for 14 years, has forgotten that the sport was bought by Liberty Media, an American company, in 2017.

And for those who want to say that @ColtonHerta didn’t “earn” the right. You're off base. He's as talented if not more than the rest. He's a proven winner. He came to the top, and did exceptionally well. F1 has had ride buyers for years who don't hold a candle to CH. FACTS! https://t.co/9RpJ62nKIq

- Graham Rahal (@GrahamRahal) September 16, 2022

“F1 is an elitist sport. They don't want us. Remember that. They want the money of American corporations, they want the money of wealthy American individuals. But they don't care about the rest. It's always been like this, it always will be.

Colton Herta didn't "earn" the right (to go to F1. Editor’s note). You are missing the point. He is as talented, if not more so, than the others. He's a driver who won in IndyCar, and he's recognized. He made it to the top, and is performing exceptionally well. F1 has had paying drivers for years who are every bit as good as Colton Herta. It is a fact ! »

Former teammate in the Andretti team, Alexander Red also supports Colton Herta. “I kept my mouth shut long enough,” wrote the last American on an F1 starting grid (in 2015 with Manor) on his Twitter account.
“There you go, I’m so fed up with this back and forth regarding Super License points. The idea was to prevent drivers from buying their way into F1 and allow talent to be the motivating factor.

pic.twitter.com/ghFBxjksLV

— Alexander Rossi (@AlexanderRossi) September 17, 2022

It's awesome. We all agree that Colton has the talent and ability to be in F1. This is very good and he should receive this opportunity if it is offered to him. Basta. Motorsport remains the most viewed sport in the world where money can trump talent.

What is disappointing and in my opinion the basic problem is that the sporting element has so often taken a back seat to business, that it was necessary to put in place a method for certain teams to stop taking pilots solely based on their financial situation.

Ultimately, these past decisions, whether out of greed or necessity, are what cost Colton the opportunity to decide for himself whether he wanted to change careers and race in F1. These are not points on a license. »

Covertly, these pilots denounce the poor functioning of the Super License. This was introduced in order to avoid the trend of paying drivers and the rejuvenation of the grid. In 2014, the young Max Verstappen, only 16 years old, was confirmed by Toro Rosso for the 2015 season despite a short experience in Formula 3 Europe

The Dutchman had obtained his Super License by completing the required 300 kilometers in a test session. This authorization caused a little controversy at the time, with some considering that Verstappen's age and background was too light, hence a rethinking of the criteria for obtaining it.

Concerning paying pilots, this measure remains ineffective. Sons of billionaires like Lance stroll ou Nicholas latifi have been participating in Formula 1 for several seasons, more through financial means than through their results in promotional formulas, themselves made accessible by their family's substantial budgets.

ALSO READ > Colton Herta expected in tests with Alpine F1 Team

Finally, double IndyCar champion Josef Newgarden prefers to laugh at this situation, by offering a t-shirt bearing the words “Eligible for the Super License” on his store!

You're welcome. #BusBros

➡️ https://t.co/Uj1CUvIOVa pic.twitter.com/ALzLkg5r6s

— Josef Newgarden (@josefnewgarden) September 17, 2022