According to Helmut Marko, agreements in principle have been made that Colton Herta will replace Pierre Gasly in AlphaTauri; while the Frenchman will become Esteban Okon’s new partner next year. But all these mix-ups will be possible on one condition: if the FIA issues a super license to the American driver.
The problem is that Colton only has 32 of the 40 points it takes to get a super license, and for the driver who finished 3rd in the IndyCar series last year to drive in Formula 1, the FIA has to meeting the interests of the parties involved and doing it for Hurta is an exception.
At the same time, a number of Formula 1 team leaders believe that this is not correct.
“Surprisingly, all parties and all teams involved were in agreement,” said a Red Bull motorsport adviser who took part in the Speed City Broadcasting radio program. – But first we need to get a concrete answer from the FIA, and I think it should be even before the Monza stage. And if all the agreements are signed in Monza, they will of course also apply to Pierre Gasly.
We studied the current rules, discussed the situation with the FIA. Since a special rule has been adopted during the pandemic, provided that it is possible (when applying for a super license) to take the results of three years, and if one of these results does not reach the desired level, and the rider does not influence, the federations can add points to him.
Therefore, our appeal to the FIA cannot be considered unreasonable. Colton Herta won seven IndyCar races, which in my opinion is comparable to Grand Prix victories. It would be a shame if he didn’t get a super license.”
According to Racer, Andretti Autosport and McLaren Racing are also participating in multilateral agreements. The US team is ready to release Herta from its obligations if he receives an offer to move to Formula 1. Colton has already worked on tests with McLaren and the team has an option to use the 22-year-old California racer for its next one. two seasons, but Woking is also ready to let him go in AlphaTauri.
An interesting detail: Helmut Marko once released Pato O’Ward from obligations to Red Bull ahead of schedule so that the Mexican could play in IndyCar for Arrow McLaren SP. Now, as a mutual gesture, McLaren is ready to do the same for Colton Herta.
So far all agreements are only tentative and Alpine has not confirmed its interest in Gasly, but there is reason to believe Daniel Ricciardo is not considered a candidate to replace Fernando Alonso in the works Renault team.
Source: F1 News
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