McLaren praises Herta in test, but remains cautious about F1: "One step at a time".

McLaren said it was very impressed with Colton Herta's fast adaptation to the MCL35M - the model with which the British team competed in the 2021 Formula 1 season. However, Andreas Seidl preferred to take a "one step at a time" approach when asked about a possible transfer of the IndyCar driver to the world's premier class in 2024.

Herta tested for two days in Portimão, Portugal, and said he felt quite comfortable with the car. He also pointed out some differences, such as the driving style, but classified the experience as "fun." "Those were some great days to get used to the car. And what a car to drive, it is really special. It's a great opportunity for me," he told the Racer website.

Seidl ratified that the most important thing about the sessions was to give the American the opportunity to get used to the car. "Then [testing] different [driving] techniques, getting used to a different operational aspect of F1 weekends, as well as comparing tire compounds, riding different fuel loads, doing qualifying laps and also race simulation," the manager added.

"I must say that the team was very impressed with the way Colton handled all these challenges, and his physical preparation and professional approach allowed him to continue throughout these two days, aware of how challenging an F1 car can be on a track like Portimão," continued the German. "This allowed him to gradually increase his pace, gain confidence and find the right balance between taking risks and keeping the car on track - something important in tests of this kind," added the Woking boss, stressing that "yes, I am very happy with the outcome of the tests."

While Daniel Ricciardo's fate in F1 2023 is being decided - even though the Australian is under contract until the end of next year - speculated candidates for Lando Norris' seat on the grid are raining down. That is because McLaren Group has, at the moment, the following names in its list: Pato O'Ward, Alexander Rossi (confirmed at Indy), Felix Rosenqvist (with a flexible contract, with no definition whether he will remain at Indy or go to Formula E) and now Álex Palou (who has also been confirmed by McLaren, but with no category defined).

In the foreign press, other names have also emerged as possible candidates for Ricciardo's F1 seat, among them Oscar Piastri (who would be loaned by Alpine), Fernando Alonso (if the French choose to promote Piastri to the starting position), Sebastian Vettel, and Alexander Albon.

Seidl was asked about Herta and whether the tests would indicate a possible move by the current Andretti driver to F1 in 2024, but the boss declined to discuss the topic. "As always, we will take one step at a time. The purpose of today's test was to give Colton the chance to experience an F1 car for the first time, that was the focus. What comes after that? That's something that will be done step by step, in our own time."

Finally, the Woking-based boss said McLaren will "analyze the data to get an idea of Colton's potential with the car" before deciding whether to give the American the chance to drive the MCL36 in a free practice session this year.