Two IndyCar drivers previously tipped as potential candidates for Formula 1 seats have admitted their chances of entering the series have faded.
Alex Palou, who won his second IndyCar title in three years last season in dominant fashion, drove for McLaren in first practice for the United States Grand Prix in 2022. However their relationship ended after he decided to remain with his Ganassi IndyCar team and cease pursuing an F1 drive through McLaren.
He told media this week he is no longer seeking a move into F1. “I tried,” he said. “It didn’t really work out. That’s okay.
“We’ll try and get many championships if we can, and we’ll try and fight for as many championships and Indy 500s as possible.”
Andretti driver Colton Herta was originally linked to the AlphaTauri F1 seat which went to Nyck de Vries last year. Red Bull was unable to place him at their junior team as Herta had not scored sufficient FIA superlicence points.
Herta’s best hope of entering F1 now rests with his Andretti team, which the FIA has approved to enter F1. However Andretti is yet to agree terms with Formula One Management to join as an 11th entry.
The superlicence problem also remains, now compounded by Herta enduring what he described as “my worst season in IndyCar” as he slumped to 10th in the standings. At 23, three years younger than Palou, he admitted his chances of reaching F1 are also fading.
“I think it’s very time-sensitive,” said Herta. “I’m probably at the highest age that I could probably go over there with a team, maybe, besides Andretti.
“I don’t have anything to report on their side of things. I think their goal is still to get a Formula 1 team, and they’re still trying to. If that happens we’ll have to see what timeline that is and how old I’ll be and where I’m at in my life at that point.
“So for me, really, just the main focus right now is IndyCar, and we’ll see where it goes.”
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