The two US motorsport stars Michael Andretti would put in F1 ‘in a heartbeat’

Sam Cooper 03 Aug 2023 8:15 PM

Alex Palou and Colton Herta looking onwards.

Michael Andretti said both Alex Palou and Colton Herta “are ready for Formula 1” with both IndyCar drivers previously linked with a move to the series.

With Andretti busy trying to convince the major shareholders that their team is deserving of a spot on the grid, he may have given some hints over who he would target as drivers should they get the bid.

Andretti are still waiting for the verdict of the FIA Expression of Interest process but Michael Andretti has picked out two drivers he feels also deserve a spot.

Michael Andretti would take Alex Palou or Colton Herta ‘in a heartbeat’

Speaking to Speedweek.com, Andretti stated that both Alex Palou or Colton Herta would be a great addition to the Formula 1 grid.

“I have not the slightest doubt that Alex or Colton are ready for Formula 1,” the ex-F1 driver said.

“They have high potential. I’d put both of them in a Formula 1 car in a heartbeat. I’m sure they can keep up. Lando [Norris] was once Colton’s team-mate and they were on the same level.

“If you look at Lando in Formula 1 now, you know what Colton could do as well.”

Both drivers do have links with Formula 1. Red Bull attempted to get Herta into their AlphaTauri team as replacement for Pierre Gasly only for the FIA to deny the request to ignore superlicence rules but that link does now appear to be dead with Helmut Marko saying he is “off the table.”

But Palou has an active role with him serving as McLaren reserve driver alongside Mick Schumacher this season. Meanwhile his IndyCar exploits continue to impress with the Spaniard on course for a second title.

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He was however unsure his efforts this year would have any factor in him potentially getting an F1 drive.

“I don’t really think so,” he said.

“Honestly, I don’t think that by winning more races we will get one seat or the other seat, one seat in F1. I don’t think getting different results will affect our season for next year, honestly.

“I think already what we did in ’21 was a big accomplishment that I’m really happy of, winning the first championship in my second season in IndyCar.

“I don’t think that what we’re doing this year… It’s very different from what we did in ’21. Yeah, I don’t think it’s going to change much.”