Andretti predicts new American race star in F1

F1 News

19 September 2020 at 16:12
Last update 19 September 2020 at 16:48
  • GPblog.com

Since Formula 1 is in the hands of an American company and since the sport is becoming more and more popular in the United States there has not yet been an American driver on the grid. Mario Andretti thinks he has found this American star. Colton Herta has a chance.

Forty years no American victory in F1

Mario Andretti is the last American to win a GP. No less than 42 years ago he won the GP of the Netherlands at Zandvoort. The American looks back and regrets that no American has succeeded him yet.

In the NBC Sports programme Coffee with Kyle he says: "I didn't expect that. It is a pity. We have so much talent here, but they're all not invited there. I think it's time we gave some young talents a chance. They are certainly capable."

Colton Herta may be the next American star

Scott Speed was the last American driver to drive a full F1 season in 2006. The last American driver to start in 2015 was Alexander Rossi. However, Andretti is not sad and thinks he knows who will be his successor in F1.

"Colton Herta comes to mind. When he was young, his father sent him to Europe. He drove F3 and knows most of the circuits. He is already a bit experienced. He showed a lot in his debut season, won several races at COTA and Laguna Seca and beat two of the best Indy Car drivers, Will Power and Scott Dixon.

"I would like to see this kid go to Europe to fly the flag of the United States again."