McLaren talent impresses at test: 'It's pretty darn good'

McLaren is busy behind the scenes putting together the team for next season. Where Daniel Ricciardo seems to be leaving, there is a significant chance that Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri will form a team together. According to Mario Andretti, however, there is another talent who could handle that, he told Motorlat.

Andretti sees a great talent in Colton Herta, who races at Andretti Autosport. The 22-year-old American signed a contract with McLaren at the beginning of this year to take part in the test programme. The driver was also allowed to test the 2021 McLaren car in Portugal in July.

"Just recently the test that he had in Portugal with McLaren, I know a little bit more about it than what has been revealed," Andretti let us know. "And it’s pretty darn good. As far as his Formula One ambitions, he will do well there. His future is bright, no question."

For now, however, McLaren seem to be going for Piastri, although it won't be easy to buy out Ricciardo's one-year contract. It has been reported that the Australian will receive around 14 million euros if the team wants to end the partnership prematurely.

Nevertheless, the British team is determined to bring a breath of fresh air to the team next season. With Norris and Piastri in its ranks, McLaren hopes to usher in a new era, allowing it to fight for the world title again.