F1 teams struggling to find drivers for 2023 season - and it's not because of superlicence chaos

dailystar.co.uk:

F1 is facing a shortage of race-ready drivers but it has little to do with the controversial superlicence system. Red Bull’s attempt to sign IndyCar star Colton Herta for sister team AlphaTauri has hit the buffers due to the American’s lack of the required number of superlicence points.With F1 and governing body the FIA refusing to grant an exemption, Red Bull have been forced to admit defeat in their bid to bring the 22-year-old into their programme.

That intransigence is seen as a missed opportunity by many, given F1’s increasing profile in America. READ MORE: F1 Grand Prix set for midnight finish in first Saturday race since 1985 There have been calls for the superlicence rules to be overhauled to give talented drivers from IndyCar - the highest profile single-seater series after F1 - more of a chance to move on.

However, there are other factors at play which mean there are relatively few chances for drivers to force their way onto the 20-driver grid, even if they do have the required number of superlicence points.One of the main issues is the limit of testing, introduced in 2009 to control costs.

Previously, it was fairly straightforward for budding F1 drivers to get behind the wheel of an actual car. Now, they are restricted to simulator work, ‘filming days’, the end-of-season young drivers’ test and testing cars from previous seasons.