One might think that aspiring drivers can just work their way up the ranks and reach the top using nothing but their world-class skills. Sure, that was the case a few years ago, but not anymore.
Today, those who want to break through the sport -- whether in Formula 1, Formula 3, GP2 or any other major series -- must absolutely have solid sponsors or a wealthy family.
I'm not saying that young phenoms like Charles Pic or Max Chilton aren't talented enough to drive an F1 car. However, they've clearly bought their seat instead of really earning it with their driving prowess.
In 2013, more than half of all F1 drivers are paying for their spot on the team, which is a far cry from the Utopian picture the sport's head honchos have always envisioned: pitting the world's 25 best drivers against each other.
The money issue starts at the earliest stages of racing. When it comes to the bottom line, teams are profit-driven businesses. And that rule now also applies to half of the F1 circus.
For young drivers, winning a championship doesn't necessarily guarantee access to a higher-tier series; it only helps them find bigger sponsors to continue their careers.
Here are the average entry fees for some of the main open-wheel racing series in Europe:
Formula Renault 2.0: €350,000 (approx. $470,000)
Formula 3 Euro Series: €600,000 ($800,000)
GP3: €600,000 ($800,000)
Formula Renault 3.5: €1 million ($1.3 million)
GP: €1.2-1.8 million ($1.6-2.4 million), depending on the team, sponsors, and driver fame.
What about Formula 1? Well, prepare to shell out anywhere from €7-10 million ($9.3-13 million). And that's for a bottom-half team!
The best-case scenario for cash-strapped beginners may be to join a farm team (the most renowned being the Red Bull Junior Team) that will allow them to move on to a higher level eventually if they prove successful. Alternatively, they can join a driver management group.
It’s no wonder, then, that more and more young drivers stop pretending to be the next Sebastian Vettel and turn to endurance racing or super touring.
Today, those who want to break through the sport -- whether in Formula 1, Formula 3, GP2 or any other major series -- must absolutely have solid sponsors or a wealthy family.
I'm not saying that young phenoms like Charles Pic or Max Chilton aren't talented enough to drive an F1 car. However, they've clearly bought their seat instead of really earning it with their driving prowess.
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| Photo: Renault Sport |
In 2013, more than half of all F1 drivers are paying for their spot on the team, which is a far cry from the Utopian picture the sport's head honchos have always envisioned: pitting the world's 25 best drivers against each other.
The money issue starts at the earliest stages of racing. When it comes to the bottom line, teams are profit-driven businesses. And that rule now also applies to half of the F1 circus.
For young drivers, winning a championship doesn't necessarily guarantee access to a higher-tier series; it only helps them find bigger sponsors to continue their careers.
Here are the average entry fees for some of the main open-wheel racing series in Europe:
Formula Renault 2.0: €350,000 (approx. $470,000)
Formula 3 Euro Series: €600,000 ($800,000)
GP3: €600,000 ($800,000)
Formula Renault 3.5: €1 million ($1.3 million)
GP: €1.2-1.8 million ($1.6-2.4 million), depending on the team, sponsors, and driver fame.
What about Formula 1? Well, prepare to shell out anywhere from €7-10 million ($9.3-13 million). And that's for a bottom-half team!
The best-case scenario for cash-strapped beginners may be to join a farm team (the most renowned being the Red Bull Junior Team) that will allow them to move on to a higher level eventually if they prove successful. Alternatively, they can join a driver management group.
It’s no wonder, then, that more and more young drivers stop pretending to be the next Sebastian Vettel and turn to endurance racing or super touring.