Max Verstappen Joins Sainz & Bottas in the Debate on ‘Impossible’ Entry of New Talent Into F1

Formula One is the most prestigious and expensive motor sport series in the world. It has a rich history and takes place around the world, with all the top racing drivers in attendance. It is also one of the most exciting sports in the world, but it can also be an expensive one.

There are only 20 seats available at the pinnacle of motor sport. With drivers and their teams spending millions upon millions on their cars each year and newfangled technology such as hybrid engines, they need sponsorship money, without a doubt. So, for young drivers trying to make their way up the ladder, the opportunities are quite limited.

ALSO READ : What Is Forcing F1 Teams to Strip Paint Off Their Cars and Is There a Solution?

Current racing drivers Max Verstappen, Carlos Sainz, George Russell and Valtteri Bottas who worked their way into F1 revealed their thoughts regarding the limited opportunities and challenges for up-and-coming drivers.

Max Verstappen opens up on the challenges faced by young drivers

A kid dreaming of becoming a Formula 1 driver is presented with various challenges. The first step is to race in junior karting championships. Seven time World Champion Lewis Hamilton, is a karting champion, and that laid the base for him to become one of the best drivers in F1 history. Max Verstappen himself has an immaculate karting record before he joined Formula 1.

However, the Dutchman believes some young drivers do not thrive in karting as they do in a Formula 1 car. Speaking on the limited opportunities in the sport for the up-and-coming drivers, he said, “Some drivers are not great in karts, but in race cars they are. For these types of drivers it is therefore almost impossible to reach the sport, while that is not always justified. For some riders it’s the other way around. “

Limited seats and money in Formula 1 are also hindrances

Meanwhile, Carlos Sainz and George Russell feel there are limited opportunities for young drivers as there are only 20 seats available. There is also no direct pathway for a Formula 2 champion to enter Formula 1. Oscar Piastri serves as an example. His stunning season in F2 last year did not guarantee him a seat in F1.

“There is so much talent that F1 could have gotten, but in the end it only succeeds twenty. There will never be enough space to give everyone a place,” stated Carlos Sainz.

Valtteri Bottas believes the financial aspect in Formula 1 is also a reason many talented drivers struggle to compete in F1. He said, “During my karting period in Finland, I saw so many promising drivers around me who had no financial support. That’s a shame, and it’s certainly not a fair sport. You have to be in the right position at the right time.”

WATCH THIS STORY : Inside Michael Schumacher’s Car Collection

There are only a few rags to riches story in the sport. Talented racing drivers struggling for opportunities has been a regular theme in Formula 1. According to you, how should F1 counteract this problem? Leave your thoughts in the comments.