Andretti: There is something wrong if Mazepin can get F1 Superlicense and Herta cannot

Formula 1 world champion Mario Andretti believes there’s something wrong if “that Russian kid” can get a Superlicense and a driver like Colton Herta can’t.

Andretti is referring to Haas driver Nikita Mazepin, who is in over his head in F1.

Andretti, is certain a driver such as Herta competing in motorsport’s premier class would boost F1’s popularity in the US.

“I’m pushing like hell for Colton,” he told Motorsport.com. “You’ve got to remember, Colton went to race in England when he was 15 years old, all by himself. That’s always been his objective [to get to F1] but he’s very quiet and unassuming, he’s not pushy, but I see a quality there – a Formula 1 quality.

“He’s 21, so it’s a great time, and I realize the lack of testing and license restrictions. But, I mean, that Russian kid gets a Superlicense, and the guy who’s at the very top level over here can’t get one? There’s something wrong there!”

Michael Andretti says he wouldn’t stand in Herta’s way if a top F1 team came calling for his services.

Speaking to RACER, Andretti – son of 1978 F1 world champion Mario – insisted he would not block Herta from making a potential move to F1, but only if an approach came from a big team.

“From a selfish standpoint, I’m hoping he drives for me for many, many, many years,” Michael Andretti told RACER. “But then again, I don’t want to stand in his way.

“If a team like Ferrari calls him, I’m not going to stand in his way on it. But if one of the teams in last or second to last position in the championship over there calls, then I might say, ‘Yeah, I’d want to keep you here.’