Vettel protests against the increase in the number of pay drivers in F1

The Rhineland driver is concerned about this situation, which stems from lower investment from sponsors. To cope with these losses, many mid- and back-tier teams have turned to so-called “pay drivers” who bring with them a suitcase full of lucrative cash. These drivers often bring along their own personal sponsors. This is the case with Petrov at Lotus Renault, Maldonado at Williams, Perez at Sauber, and Karthikeyan at HRT. However, most of these drivers do not have the driving skills of an Alonso or a Hamilton and certainly not the level to race in F1. This rightfully affects the quality of the current grid, despite it being strong with five world champions.

Which leads Vettel to reopen the debate by stating on Austrian television Servus that it’s a risk for us professionals because these drivers, when being overtaken, behave unpredictably. Some are real mobile chicanes. According to him, the KERS and the movable rear wing also make driving more perilous as they force drivers to take their eyes off the track.

The reigning world champion concludes by saying that it’s a bit like driving a car while having fun on your phone.

This debate is not new, but it is increasingly worrying at such a level of competition. Should there be a straightforward limitation on salary values? The FOTA is somewhat moving in this direction with the RRA. Furthermore, we shouldn’t immediately blame a Maldonado or a Petrov, whose potential is not that weak. And isn’t Alonso also a paying driver? Would Santander support the Scuderia without the Spanish standard-bearer?

So many questions that suggest piloting and money may now be one and the same.