Schumacher says Herta has no place in F1: He’s just burning fuel
Martin Trenkler
Following the announcement of Racing Bulls’ driver line-up, the “only” seat officially still unfilled is Ollie Bearman’s, as he continues to negotiate the terms of an extension with Ferrari and Haas. But if anyone’s seat is under threat, it is Valtteri Bottas’s, with the Finn still anxiously awaiting Cadillac’s decision.
In recent weeks, the possibility of the American outfit dropping Bottas in favour of Colton Herta has emerged as a realistic prospect. Cadillac has gone to considerable lengths to secure a superlicence for the American driver and prepare him as thoroughly as possible for his Formula 1 debut.
After a season in Formula 2 and several free practice appearances, however, Herta has convinced few observers. Colton is essentially running at the back in F2, yet Cadillac is increasingly making it clear that it wants him in the cockpit because he is American. That push has met with little understanding from former driver and current Sky Germany pundit Ralf Schumacher.
Asked whether Herta could be a candidate for the second seat alongside Sergio Pérez, he replied sarcastically: “Only if Easter and Christmas fall on the same day.”
“Seriously, it’s pointless. He’s just burning fuel, to borrow a phrase from Franz Tost. I don’t even know what the point of it is. You might as well put someone else in the car, give some young drivers a chance,” said Schumacher.
Frederik Vesti has also been linked with Cadillac in recent weeks, but that strikes us as even further removed from reality than signing Herta. The latter holds an American passport, which may be the only requirement for a team and brand that pride themselves on their patriotism. Cadillac has invested heavily in Herta and clearly wants an American driver in the cockpit.
Although Colton has failed to impress in Formula 2, Cadillac has no other American readily available. “He was really that bad in Formula 2. As far as I’m concerned, he hasn’t earned it at all,” Schumacher said bluntly.
“I think it’s great that they’re trying to promote American drivers. But it has to make sense, and he has no place in Formula 1,” he added.
