With six races left in the season, there are still many teams that have not officially communicated their line up in view of 2023. Many negotiations are underway, waiting for an official announcement that can undoubtedly cause yet another Domino effect...
Piastri out, Alpine betting on Gasly?
Following the situation related to Oscar Piastres, become officially a pilot of McLaren, to the Alpine the time has come to look around and look for the name of the replacement. Initially it was thought of Mick Schumacher, that with great odds will greet the Haas at the end of the season. According to the latest rumors, the choice of the French team is to focus on the AlphaTauri driver Pierre Gasly. The number ten on the grid has shown total willingness to enter into negotiations, as well as the team from Faenza which, with compensation, would be ready to let its rider go.
The idea of AlphaTauri
Precisely for this reason, the AlphaTauri has begun to move in search of the replacement and got a glimpse into IndyCar. The name put in the spotlight is that of Colton herta. The American is currently in IndyCar with the Andretti Autosport team, and holds the record for youngest driver to win in the IndyCar Series. The twenty-two year old is of considerable interest to AlphaTauri, above all considering his nationality and the Formula One market in America in the last period.
Herta, the problem blocking the deal
However, there is a big problem, which concerns the superlicense. To be able to race in Formula One, in fact, the FIA requires this license consisting of 40 points as an indispensable requirement, which Herta does not have. In this regard, exclusively to Motorsport.com, the Andretti team driver spoke about the opportunity to enter F1.
“When I heard of the interest, it was a bit of a surprise because I didn't think I was on any other team's radar. I really understand both sides of the question,” she explained. The FIA wants to protect its categories and wants its drivers to go through its system. But I think IndyCar deserves a little more recognition."
Closing on Sundays
According to what emerged from the paddock, the idea of the FIA is not to allow Herta to sign with AlphaTauri without reaching 40 points, in particular to avoid the emergence of minor categories. On the subject the president and CEO of Formula One, Stefano Domenicali also spoke:
“We follow the rules and respect the known and consolidated procedures. We would be happy to see Herta in F1 if he ever secures the right number of points for the superlicense. Then it will be up to him to demonstrate that the experience gained in a category other than F1 will allow him to adapt".
Horner: "The superlicense is an FIA problem"
We will therefore see how the tug of war between AlphaTauri and the Federation will end. In this regard, we also report the statements of the Red Bull team principal Christian Horner.
“The Superlicense is an FIA problem, we just need clarity on the points situation, which we hope will arrive as soon as possible. This plays a key role in the joust of drivers. In terms of points-related clarifications for a driver looking to come to Formula 1, you need to know that there are options."
Horner then concluded the speech by making it clear that the Faenza team will not leave Gasly if the FIA's ok does not arrive on Herta.
“Pierre is doing a good job with AlphaTauri, I don't think there will be a desire to change without an interesting alternative available”.
Everything to see
For now, therefore, also the negotiation Alpine-Gasly remains on standby and it cannot be ruled out that, if AlphaTauri fails to replace the Frenchman, then the Enstone team will have to look around again.
STATEMENT SOURCE: Herta/Motorsport.com Italy – Domenicali/Automotori – Horner/Autosprint
