FIA superlicense restrictions prevent Formula 1 opportunity for ‘best American driver’, according to Horner

Thursday 22 September 2022

F1 | FIA Superlicense restrictions prevent Formula 1 opportunity for ‘best American driver’, according to Horner

Christian Horner has spoken in favour of IndyCar driver Colton Herta making a move into Formula 1, and has stated the current licensing regulations need to be looked at.

Speaking on yesterdays, ‘F1 - Beyond the Grid’ podcast, Red Bull Team Principal, Christian Horner has given his views on the current FIA superlicence requirements that have prevented IndyCar driver, Colton Herta, from driving in Formula One next year:

“America is a huge market and we’re seeing that growth in the sport.

“It would be great to give arguably the best current American driver an opportunity in Formula 1. Unfortunately, the licensing restrictions will probably prevent that from happening.”

Speaking with podcast host Tom Clarkson, Horner acknowledged the decision the FIA has come to: 

“We’ll have to respect the FIA’s stance. At the end of the day that’s down to the FIA to look at. I know that they’re doing that but we’ll accept whichever decision they come up with. But it’s something that needs looking at because it shouldn’t be so hard for drivers to transition from America’s premier series into Formula 1.”

In the Formula 2 series alone, Red Bull are host to plenty of emerging talents in their junior programme; Liam Lawson, Ayumu Iwasa, Dennis Hauger and Jehan Daruvala are waiting in the wings for their shot in F1 with either AlphaTauri or Red Bull.

Despite this, the current paddock rumour is that the 2019 Formula 2 Champion, Nyck de Vries, may be driving for AlphaTauri in 2023, taking the seat of Pierre Gasly, who may make a move to Alpine.

When asked about the drivers in the Red Bull Junior programme, Horner said, “We’re continuing to invest in youth. We’ve got some great youngsters in the programme, all the way from Karting or stepping into Formula 4, upwards.

“I think it’s something Red Bull has done so well, giving these kids a chance, investing in young talent, and giving opportunities they otherwise wouldn’t have had.”

Clarkson asked Christian who he thinks we should look out for in the current feeder series’:

“Isack Hadjar in Formula 3 this year has had a great debut season,” said Horner, “Iwasa in Formula 2 has been a standout driver for me. They’re just two of the guys on the programme.

“Liam Lawson’s had a tough year, but he’s again another talent. [The 2021 F3 Champion] Dennis Hauger has been a bit underwhelming in Formula 2 after such a dominant year in Formula 3. But again how much of that is him and how much of it is equipment?”