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Former F1 driver criticises F1: 'I've kept my mouth shut long enough'

Former F1 driver criticises F1: 'I've kept my mouth shut long enough'

17-09-2022 18:53 Last update: 20:49
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GPblog.com

Alexander Rossi has criticised the current system in motorsport. The former Formula One driver is standing up for Colton Herta, the IndyCar driver long named as Pierre Gasly's replacement at AlphaTauri.

It has been known for a while that Helmut Marko and AlphaTauri were interested in Herta. There was just one problem: the IndyCar driver did not have enough points on his super licence. An exception was being worked on with the FIA, but now it seems Herta will not make the switch to F1 after all. According to the latest rumours, Nyck de Vries will take over Gasly's seat.

On Saturday, several IndyCar drivers already voiced their criticism of the FIA's super licence system. According to the drivers, it is unfair that Herta is not allowed to participate in the sport because of too few points, as the American has enough talent. Rossi, the last American to be active in F1, also expresses his opinion on Twitter.

Rossi doesn't agree with system in F1

"I've kept my mouth shut long enough, so here goes. I'm so sick and tired of this back and forth regarding super licence points. The whole premise of it was to keep people from buying their way into F1 and allowing talent to be the motivating factor. That's great. We all agree Colton has the talent and capability to be in F1. That's also great and he should get that opportunity if it's offered to him. Period," Rossi writes in frustration.

"Motorsport still remains as the most high profile sport in the world where money can outweigh talent. What is disappointing and in my opinion, the fundamental problem, is that the sporting element so often took a backseat to the business side that there had to be a method put in place in order for certain teams to stop taking drivers solely based on their financial backing."