McLaren hands Herta F1 development drive for 2022

IndyCar race winner Colton Herta will drive McLaren's 2021 challenger as part of a Formula 1 test role with the team.

The highly-rated American has starred in IndyCar in recent years, taking six wins as well as becoming the series' youngest-ever winner in 2019.

Herta will have the opportunity to drive the car that won the 2021 Italian Grand Prix - the MCL35M - through F1's Testing of Previous Cars (TPC) allowance.

The 21-year-old currently drives for Andretti Autosport in IndyCar, with the American team eyeing an entry into F1 soon.

Andretti was in talks with Alfa Romeo over a potential takeover last year with Herta linked with an F1 drive if it went through.

Should Herta impress, a reunion with Lando Norris could be on the cards with the pair teaming up at Carlin back in 2015 during their MSA Formula campaign.

Reflecting on the announcement, Herta said driving an F1 car has always been on his “racing bucket list”.

“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,” he said. “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.”

Team principal Andreas Seidl added: “Colton is a proven talent in IndyCar and we will be interested to see how he adapts to a Formula 1 car. 

“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.”