Fernando Alonso has praised Colton Herta, believing the American driver would be “a good fit” for Formula 1.
Herta, 21, has spent the last three seasons competing full-time in IndyCar, finishing 7th, 3rd and 5th respectively in the standings.
Recent rumours have linked Michael Andretti to a takeover of Sauber, which is behind the Alfa Romeo F1 team.
Should a deal go through, it has been suggested that Herta would take the open seat at the team due to his links with Andretti Autosport in IndyCar.
When asked about Herta ahead of this weekend’s US Grand Prix, Alonso commended the California-born driver, who has picked up six race wins across the last three seasons.
“I think he is a very good driver, very talented, very young,” Alonso said. “I think [he is] the youngest IndyCar race winner, and I think has a very good organization with Andretti.
“But it will be a good fit for Formula 1 for sure, but each of us has a different plan in his career.”
Alonso added that reaching F1 is not always a driver’s end goal, stating drivers can be happy racing outside of the category.
“I don’t know what Colton has in his head at the moment, I’m sure he is happy with IndyCar,” Alonso said.
“Same as Alex Palou [who] won the championship this year, he’s really committed to the US, racing, and enjoys racing here in the States.
“Sometimes there is not only one target, Formula 1, motorsport is much more than Formula 1, even if inside this bubble some people feel this is the top top top, which [it] is probably the top – but there are other super categories.”
Despite his success in IndyCar, Herta currently sits eight points shy of the 40 super licence points required to race in F1.
