Both incredibly fast in reaching major milestones in motorsport (and with several similarities along the way), Kalle Rovanpera and Colton Herta now share an unconventional ambition: to make it to Formula 1.
What do Colton Herta and Kalle Rovanpera have in common? Both were born in 2000 and took little time to make their mark in motorsport. Herta became the youngest pole-sitter and race winner in IndyCar history, a record achieved in 2019 at just 18 years old by winning at the Circuit of the Americas. Rovanpera also set records for precocity: by winning the Rally Estonia in 2021, he became the youngest winner of a World Rally Championship event, and the following year, the day after turning 22, he became the youngest world champion in rally history.
In just a few weeks, the two have deepened their similarities by stepping out of their comfort zones to chase a dream that seems extremely difficult on paper: reaching Formula 1. Both gave up million-dollar salaries and careers that looked set to keep them at the top of their respective championships for years, all to pursue a dream usually born in the hearts of young karting drivers. When their plans were revealed, it caused great surprise—and understandably so—since both are venturing into truly unconventional projects.
Here, however, the similarities end, as their backgrounds have nothing in common. Rovanpera’s dream will be supported by Toyota, which is why he has decided to begin his single-seater journey in the Super Formula championship. It’s a logical move if his goal is to remain under Toyota’s umbrella—six teams in the series use its engines—but it is still a highly competitive championship, featuring professional drivers and very high-performance cars. It’s far from a traditional junior series, but it offers many testing opportunities, which Rovanpera intends to make full use of.
The plan includes two seasons in Super Formula, followed by entry into Formula 1’s orbit—most likely through a transitional year in Formula 2, since Super Formula can grant the necessary points for an F1 super licence if, over two seasons, a driver finishes at least third and first in the overall standings, or twice as runner-up. These are ambitious goals, especially for someone who has never competed in single-seaters. If Rovanpera manages such a historic achievement, the path ahead will be much smoother. Besides being part of the Toyota program (which continues to maintain ties with Haas), Kalle has been a Red Bull-backed driver throughout his rally career, so he can also count on that support.
Herta’s path appears more straightforward, with a much higher probability of success. Next year he will compete in the Formula 2 championship, aiming to finish within the top nine positions, which would give him the 40 points required to earn his F1 super licence. His program will be supported by Cadillac, the team with which he will also take part in the rookie FP1 sessions next season. Afterward, the team will decide whether he’s ready for a full-time Formula 1 seat.
Herta and Rovanpera represent two different stories united by the same dream, proving once again the powerful attraction Formula 1 holds even for established professionals who are willing to give up comfortable positions to take on new challenges. It’s further proof of the golden era the sport is enjoying, capable of drawing drivers who, at twenty-five years old, are ready to start over in pursuit of their lifelong dream.
Leave a Reply