N. Todt: Money ahead of talent

Jean Todt's son says he is concerned about the future of drivers who do not have enough sponsors to access the F1. As teams are faced with a lack of funding, their choice is increasingly influenced by the financial support that suitors can provide to a potential team.

The co-owner of ART GP affirmed in Autosprint that talent no longer takes precedence over financing. “ I am very worried because drivers were climbing into F1 through merit a few seasons ago. Drivers who have to thank their sponsors are sporadic and most of these drivers end up in small teams. »

Nicolas Todt does not hide the fact that the economic crisis has made the context difficult for low-budget teams. “ Due to the global economic crisis and the difficulties faced by low-budget teams, even the most deserving young drivers must fight to gain access to GP races. Paradoxically, it has become more difficult to access F1 even though there are more seats available. »

Nevertheless, Jules Bianchi's manager remains confident for the future. “ I see concrete opportunities in the future for drivers who will be able to combine good results with sponsors, or for those who will be taken care of at a very young age by teams such as Red Bull ou McLaren Mercedes, which will guarantee them a start in the discipline without economic support. But it will be more difficult for the rest. »