WASHINGTON, March 12 (BNA) – American racer Colton Herta was announced on Saturday as a test driver for the McLaren Formula 1 team as part of the 2022 programme.
Herta, who turns 22 at the end of the month, is currently racing in IndyCar for Andretti Autosport, according to the Associated Press.
Michael and Mario Andretti both think the second generation rider is F1 stuff and would like to take him to the series if Michael Andretti gets the F1 team.
In the meantime, it will be used by McLaren under new F1 regulations that allow teams to test one-year-old cars under a “previous car test” clause. The McLaren TPC program gives the team the option to test potential drivers and evaluate young talent for the future.
“Colton is a proven talent at IndyCar and we would be interested to see how he adapts to the Formula 1 car,” said Andreas Seidl, McLaren principal.
“We believe this testing program will provide him with valuable experience while demonstrating the benefit of expanding past vehicle testing to showcase promising drivers in the future.”
Herta does not have the necessary points required to obtain the FIA license required to compete in F1. He became the youngest winner in IndyCar history in 2019 when he won the Circuit of the Americas days before his 19th birthday.
California is the son of former racer Brian Herta, who is his IndyCar strategist. He has won six IndyCar races and seven poles and is considered a contender for the IndyCar title.
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