Danica Patrick is too important to join USF1

The IndyCar racing star has long been associated with a probable recruitment in the new USF1 team for 2010.

However, given Danica Patrick’s status in American auto racing, the USF1 director, Peter Windsor, felt that the 27-year-old driver would not be suitable for the brand.

« Many people ask us, “Are you interested in Danica?” And my answer is, in some ways, Danica is too important for us now, » explained Windsor to Sports Illustrated.

«She will probably go to NASCAR, probably achieve good results there, and probably make a fortune.»

« For her, participating in Formula 1 would be a huge commitment at this stage of her career, and she would have very high expectations. We will not be able to compete for the world championship in the first year. » estimated the boss.

The reliability and handling will be very important for us, with a car barely designed and built, and a new group working together as a team.

Windsor, however, intends to stick to his statement from a few months ago that it will be American drivers in the car, but he is aware that the choice is limited.

«We need to make the effort to get Americans in our car. That has always been our target and it still is. » he added.

There are some very good American drivers on site. To be honest, it’s a shame for Formula 1 and American motorsport that some of these brilliant young single-seater drivers haven’t had more opportunities. If they had been here, racing in Formula Renault, Formula 3, GP2, the situation would be otherwise different now.