Colton Herta is making waves in the motorsports circuits. The young American, born in 2000, currently races for Andretti Autosport in the IndyCar series. With recent developments, it seems that Red Bull has eyes on the young talent.

AlphaTauri, Red Bull Racing’s sister team, in the F1 system has started making moves to acquire the American talent for the coming seasons. Although AlphaTauri has Yuki Tsunoda and Pierre Gasly on its rolls, it is succession planning for the Frenchman’s seat on the team.

Team principal, Franz Tost, says “The latest on Pierre is that he has a contract with us, as I said already the last time. And regarding Colton Herta, it’s a decision from the FIA whether he gets the Super Licence or not, and I hope that FIA will take this decision as soon as possible so that we know how to build up the team and where to go for next year”

He also makes it very clear “…But I think if it’s not Colton Herta, then Pierre Gasly will stay and nothing will change.”

While this news is great for Herta, it also puts Gasly on the lookout for his next destination. It is rumored that he is most likely to replace the outgoing Fernando Alonso at Alpine if Herta’s move to AlphaTauri works out.

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However, it is important to note that the move is not all smooth-sailing. Herta’s move from IndyCar to F1 is on hold due to his lack of a Super Licence. The issue is under consideration by the FIA and has drawn criticism from other teams.

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The IndyCar sensation’s move to F1 has been stuck due to FIA’s rules regarding Super Licence. He is currently 8 points behind the requisite 40 needed to acquire a Super Licence.

The official F1 website states, “The FIA Super Licence is a pre-requisite for any driver from any series – including FIA Formula 2 and Formula 3, plus IndyCar, Formula E, and the World Endurance Championship – to compete in Formula 1. To race in F1 a driver must be 18 years old or over, and have accrued enough Super Licence points over the last three seasons through race wins in other series or mileage in F1 machinery.”

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Since Herta does not have the required points, his step-up to F1 is under discussion by the FIA. Red Bull is trying to induct him into the team on the basis of certain clauses in the regulations that were introduced during COVID-19. 

An FIA spokesperson has said, “We are going to stick to our rules. There won’t be any exceptions.”

Moreover, Mattia Binotto has criticized the move. “I think force majeure cannot be used for Herta. That would be a completely wrong approach.”

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While a 2023 season seat does look difficult from existing circumstances, Herta’s entry to F1 is a question of when, rather than if. However, he is a talent that all F1 teams will be keeping their eyes on, and so should fans.