Newly crowned GP2 series’ champion, Briton Jolyon Palmer said in a recent interview that he was disappointed to find out that his title is not enough to get him a ride in Formula 1.
Palmer, the son of former Grand Prix driver Dr. Jonathan Palmer, is the third GP2 champion in succession who cannot secure a ride in F1. Italian Davide Valsecchi, GP2 champion in 2012 and Swiss Fabio Leimer in 2013 also failed to make the step up. Palmer who secured the title in Sochi with one round to go said he was bitterly disappointed in not getting a ride in F1 despite having a good test with Sahara Force India in Abu Dhabi last month. “It's gutting really, because people who I've beaten are on the grid and there's nothing I can do about it.” Palmer explained. “I won the championship with a round to spare, I've done everything I possibly could this year and won the GP2 championship in a bit of style as well and the guy I've beaten quite comfortably all year [Felipe Nasr] is on the grid for next year. “But that's the state of F1 this year, he's got the backing and Sauber needed the backing,” Palmer declared.
The British driver explained that the fact that GP2 champions were not moving up to F1 was going to hurt de feeder series. “I think it's definitely a bad message, because what's the point in winning if it doesn't actually elevate you above the guy that finished third in the championship? Nasr showed that he's also a good driver and probably worthy of a place in F1, but beating him should put me worthy of a place in F1. “But at the same time what do they do? It's the state of F1 at the moment, finance is crucial and it's something that he's got in abundance,” Palmer said.
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