Doubts over FIA decision: 'Verstappen would have been eligible'

Colton Herta was hoping to secure a place at AlphaTauri for next season, but that plan can go in the dustbin before 2023. Indeed, the FIA ruled that he has accumulated too few points on his super licence, forcing him to put off a permanent place in Formula 1 for himself. Zak Brown does not think the regulations are entirely justified.

The rules stipulate that a driver must have at least 40 points on his super licence to enter Formula 1, but Herta will not get there for now. Indeed, the talented American driver has 'only' gained 32 points yet, which means he has to wait for his chance.

Brown believes the FIA should look again at the current regulations. The McLaren CEO believes that the driver's qualities should be looked at first and foremost, and in conversation with Motorsportweek.com among others, to the past of Max Verstappen and Kimi Raikkonen.

"I don’t think Max Verstappen would have been eligible for a Super License, I don’t think Kimi Raikonnen would have been eligible for a Super License," notes Brown. "If you go back and look, there are a couple of guys, world champions who wouldn’t have got their super license in today’s environment." For now, however, the FIA does not seem to want to change anything.