The last seven races in the F1 2022 season were full of thrilling moments. But as the season progresses, with many drivers having contracts only till 2022, there have been a lot of talks about not only new driver pairing but also new drivers joining the sport.
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Recently, the former IndyCar owner-driver Bobby Rahal named two potential candidates for an F1 seat in the upcoming seasons. The 69-year-old saw success in IndyCar but not in F1. Rahal had only two entries in Formula One back in 1978 with the former f1 team, Walter Wolf Racing.
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Bobby Rahal wants Colton Herta in F1
The American was recently asked whether he sees any IndyCar driver moving to Formula One. Rahal talked about two such young talents in IndyCar who can become F1 drivers. Rahal’s first pick for F1 was Colton Herta, to either join Mercedes or Red Bull.
After winning the GMR Grand Prix at Indianapolis Motor Speedway Road Course, Indy Series driver Colton Herta reacts. Mandatory Credit: Mike Dinovo-USA TODAY Sports
The 22-year-old American currently drives for Andretti Autosport in the IndyCar series. Herta could be a good choice for the Silver Arrows to replace Lewis Hamilton if the seven-time world champion retires in the future.
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Raheal reported about Colton, “Whoever is have to go is in one of the best teams, Mercedes or the Red Bull. I mean, their technology is so advanced that if you don’t have everything behind you, it’s difficult to show. I think Colton Herta got a lot of potentials. He’s very young, so he’s gonna be around for a while.”
McLaren has a possible F1 candidate in IndyCar
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Bobby’s second pick for a possible F1 candidate is the 23-year-old Mexican driver, Pato O’Ward. However, the young Mexican might not be able to drive for Mercedes or Red Bull as he currently drives for Arrow McLaren in IndyCar. Further, he’s also the test driver for the McLaren F1 team. He might get a seat in the Woking base in the future.
McLaren’s Lando Norris during practice in the 2022 F1 season. REUTERS/Hamad I Mohammed
“I really like Pato O’Ward, and I know he’s gonna drive in the test at McLaren. I think he’s special, pretty special. And give him some time, and I don’t know what the situation of McLaren is. But they have done a good job of late, so I know a job opportunity is there,” the 69-year-old about Pato.
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McLaren currently has Lando Norris and Daniel Ricciardo. However, the Honey Badger has not been able to meet the expectations of the English constructors since he joined them last season. Many fans are speculating about a new McLaren lineup next season. And Pato might be the candidate to replace the Aussie next season. Let’s see if Bobby’s candidates join F1 in the future.
