Colton Herta has revealed that he outpaced Formula 1 legend Kimi Raikkonen in an early simulator session ahead of a proposed move to Sauber which ultimately fell through.
The American driver was heavily linked to a move to F1 for a number of years, before opting to remain in IndyCar until the end of 2025.
Herta subsequently joined Cadillac as a test driver, combining it with a move to Formula 2, which he hopes will enable him the sufficient FIA Super Licence points to qualify for an F1 seat.
A potential way in back in 2022 was with the Alfa Romeo-backed Sauber team, as Michael Andretti looked to purchase the Swiss squad.
The deal eventually failed to materialise, and with that, Andretti opted to try and enter F1 via his eponymous outfit, which also failed, before its TWG Motorsports backers changed the attempted entry into the successful Cadillac outfit.
But when the talks were ongoing, Herta was in with a chance of earning a seat, and went as far as a session in its simulator at Hinwil.
At the time, the team’s drivers were veteran Raikkonen and Antonio Giovinazzi, and rumours were rife that Herta managed to lap quicker than both of them.
“Yes, it was true,” he confirmed when appearing on the Beyond the Grid podcast, later revealing that it was the Hungaroring track that the trio drove on the day.
“But, I think, it’s cool to be able to say you’re faster than them in the simulator, but it doesn’t really mean much unless you can do it in real life.
“I think it’s a good thing for teams to see, and then they’re like, ‘Okay, maybe he’s worth the investment of a test.’
“It definitely feels good when you get out of the sim. But as far as does it equate to real life success? Maybe, maybe not. That’s a cool thing to say!”
Herta will need to be on his A Game when F2 makes an unscheduled visit to Miami next weekend, but will be likely handed plenty of home support.
READ MORE – Lando Norris explains pros and cons of possible Max Verstappen F1 exit
Discussion about this post