FIA warned Colton Herta promotion would "kill" ladder to F1

Colton Herta voor IndyCar-race op Gateway — Photo: © LAT Images

Nyck De Vries

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FIA warned Herta promotion would "kill" ladder to F1

Debate raging as to whether Herta should be given super licence

Ian Parkes

Friday 9 September 2022 17:17

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The FIA has been issued with a stark warning it would 'kill" the current ladder to F1 if it opted to award Colton Herta a super licence against its own rules.

IndyCar driver Herta is currently in line for a seat with AlphaTauri next season which would see him become the first American driver in F1 for eight years.

Herta, however, lacks the required super licence, which has resulted in lobbying from Red Bull and McLaren - the latter has a contract with the 22-year-old - to push for an exemption to try to get him on the grid.

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Both teams cite the fact the current system lacks balance compared to the junior categories in Europe.

Mercedes reserve driver Nyck de Vries, however, has called on the FIA to maintain the status quo as he feels a change now would set a dangerous precedent.

Former Formula 2 and Formula E champion De Vries, speaking after completing a first practice session with Aston Martin, said: "I trust in the governing body.

"Rules are there to be respected, and I think there are plenty of other drivers in the market who have super licence points.

"The necessity is not necessarily that high to go and give someone dispensation to get a super licence.

"It would be an incorrect precedent to the Formula 2 and Formula 3 championships.

"The knock-on effect would be much greater than just giving dispensation because there would be many more knocking on the door for a certain request.

"Secondly, you could argue that people going from Formula Ford to Formula 3 could decide to escape to the US because in Indy Lights you only have 12 cars on the grid, and it's much easier to score points, and then you could come back.

"Then you almost kill and jeopardise the ladder we have been building over the years which is so nice.

"I kind of compare our platform to what you see in Moto 3 and Moto 2. There is a clear ladder, a clear path to Formula 1, so it would be a shame if we jeopardise our system.

"I also think it's unnecessary."

Silly season volatile - De Vries

Driving for Aston Martin was the third FP1 outing for Dutchman De Vries this season after previously run-outs with Mercedes and Williams.

The 27-year-old is naturally hoping he has put himself in the shop window for one of the few remaining seats on the grid, with Williams the most likely destination should an opportunity arise.

"It's out of my control, out of my hands," added De Vries.

As to whether he had conversations with teams, he replied: "It's no secret every young driver shares that dream, that goal [of getting to F1]. I'd be lying if I said it wasn't the same for myself.

"The silly season has been very volatile this year, more volatile than cryptocurrency.

"Being in this paddock, being a reserve driver, and having the opportunity to appear in some FP1s, then I've been talking to some people.

"But ultimately, it's not my decision to put myself in a car."