McLaren enrolls Herta into 2022 test programme!

©McLaren

IndyCar star Colton Herta will get his first taste of Formula 1 this season thanks to McLaren which has enrolled the young American into its 2022 testing programme.

McLaren has set up a comprehensive testing programme that will involve outings for Herta onboard the Woking-based outfit's 2021 MCL35M under F1's Testing of Previous Cars (TPC) provision.

The dedicated TPC programme provides an opportunity for McLaren to evaluate potential drivers as well as young talent for the future.

"Colton is a proven talent in IndyCar and we will be interested to see how he adapts to a Formula 1 car," commented McLaren F1 boss Andreas Seidl.

"We believe this testing programme will provide him with valuable experience while demonstrating the benefit of expanding previous car testing to showcase promising drivers for the future."

Read also: Andretti reveals botched Abu Dhabi test plan for Herta

Herta became the youngest-ever winner in IndyCar history in 2019, but the Andretti Autosport charger has since added six wins and seven pole positions to his track record in the NTT IndyCar Series.

The 21-year-old was cited as a potential driver for Alfa Romeo had Michael Andretti's attempt to take over the Swiss outfit been successful.

"I want to thank McLaren for the opportunity to get my first laps in a Formula 1 car, which has always been on my racing bucket list," said Herta.

"This will be a great opportunity for me to gain some valuable experience in a new form of motorsport and learn from such an established team like McLaren F1."

McLaren says that it will confirm further details of its TPC programme in due course.

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.