Colton Herta’s Formula 1 Aspirations: The Path to the Grid

American IndyCar star Colton Herta currently holds no official role or race seat within the Formula 1 paddock, despite persistent speculation regarding his potential transition to the series. While Herta participated in a private test session for McLaren in 2022, he remains under contract with Andretti Global in the NTT IndyCar Series. His pursuit of an F1 career has been primarily hindered by the FIA’s Super License requirements, which mandate 40 points earned through sanctioned junior categories and championships over a three-year period.

Why the FIA Super License remains a barrier

The FIA (Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile) established the Super License system to ensure drivers possess sufficient experience before entering Formula 1. According to the FIA International Sporting Code, a driver must accumulate 40 points to be eligible for an F1 Super License. Herta, who has finished as high as third in the IndyCar championship standings, has faced difficulty meeting this threshold due to the points allocation assigned to the IndyCar Series relative to European-based feeder series like Formula 2.

In 2022, Red Bull Racing explored the possibility of placing Herta at their junior team, then known as AlphaTauri. However, the FIA declined to grant an exemption for the points deficit, effectively closing the door on that specific move. This decision highlighted a significant divide in how the global governing body weights domestic American open-wheel racing compared to the traditional European path.

The Andretti Global F1 bid

Herta’s most viable path to the F1 grid remains tied to the efforts of Michael Andretti and Andretti Global. The organization has been actively pursuing an expansion bid to become the 11th team on the F1 grid. According to an official statement from Formula 1 Management, the commercial rights holder has expressed skepticism regarding the value an 11th team would bring to the sport, though the project continues to develop its technical infrastructure in the United Kingdom.

If Andretti Global eventually secures a spot on the grid, Herta is widely regarded by industry analysts as the primary candidate for an American seat. His performance in IndyCar, where he has secured multiple race wins, serves as the basis for this speculation.

Comparison: IndyCar vs. Formula 2 points

The discrepancy in points allocation remains a point of contention for North American drivers looking to move to F1. The following table illustrates the current FIA points distribution for the top three finishers in major series:

As noted by the IndyCar Series, the depth of competition in the American series is high, featuring former F1 drivers and champions. Despite this, the FIA continues to prioritize the FIA-sanctioned Formula 2 championship as the primary gateway to Formula 1.

Key takeaways for F1 followers

• Contractual Status: Colton Herta is currently driving for Andretti Global in IndyCar and has no active F1 race seat.
• Regulatory Hurdle: The 40-point Super License requirement remains the primary obstacle for Herta’s entry into F1.
• Team Expansion: Herta’s future in F1 is inextricably linked to the success of Andretti Global’s bid to join the grid as a new constructor.
• Precedent: The FIA’s refusal to grant an exemption in 2022 confirms a strict adherence to the points-based system, regardless of a driver’s success in other top-tier series.

Moving forward, Herta’s prospects depend on either a change in the FIA’s licensing regulations or the successful entry of an Andretti-led team into the sport. Until then, he remains a centerpiece of the American contingent in the NTT IndyCar Series.