FIA formerly rejects Colton Herta's F1 superlicence request

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The FIA has officially confirmed that American IndyCar racer Colton Herta will not be granted an F1 superlicence.

Herta had become a candidate for the mandatory credential issued by F1's governing body following Red Bull's efforts to obtain an exemption that would have allowed the American driver to compete with AlphaTauri next season.

Herta was eight points short of the 40-point tally necessary to be granted a superlicence based on his results in the U.S. in the past several years.

Red Bull had subsequently lobbied the FIA for an exemption based on force majeure, insisting that IndyCar - Herta's successful field of expertise - was clearly undervalued by the governing body's international points schedule.

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Red Bull's request was frowned upon by several teams, including Mercedes and Ferrari.

"I think force majeure cannot be used for Herta," commented Scuderia boss Mattia Binotto at Monza two weeks ago.

"That will be a completely wrong approach. Regulations are in place in order to protect our sport and make sure that we're making the right process and choices for our sport itself."

Last week, Red Bull motorsport advisor Helmut Marko said that he had abandoned his efforts to convince the FIA to issue an exemption to Herta.

Friday's announcement brings a formal end to the American's driver's superlicence application process.

"The FIA confirms that an enquiry was made via the appropriate channels that led to the FIA confirming that the driver Colton Herta does not have the required number of points to be granted an FIA Super Licence," read a statement from the governing body.

"The FIA continuously reviews its regulations and procedures, including with respect to Super Licence eligibility, with the main factors being considered with respect to this topic being safety, experience and performance in the context of the pathway."

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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.