Red Bull decided to stop their efforts in getting IndyCar driver Colton Herta to Formula 1.
Herta was considered the favorite to replace Pierre Gasly at AlphaTauri in the 2023 season should the Frenchman join Alpine. However, the American driver does not have enough superlicense points to be allowed to compete in F1.
The FIA were evaluating the possibility of giving Herta an exemption. Such an approach was criticized in the paddock because of the impact the exemption could have made on the junior series ladder.
In the end, the FIA reportedly refused to grant Herta the waiver. According to Motorsport-Total.com, Red Bull decided not to continue working on Herta’s F1 entry.
“It’s a shame that people don’t realize what value an American driver, especially a guy like Colton Herta, would have for the booming American market, especially with three F1 races,” Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko said.
Reports emerged that Herta would take part in Alpine’s private test at the Hungaroring. In the end, his outing was canceled.
