Sergio "Checo" Perez. 189 Formula One race starts, in a midfield team. 691 career points, in a midfield team. 4 fastest laps, in a midfield team, 9 podiums, in a midfield team and now a race winner, also, in a midfield team. So why, at the time of writing, is he without a seat for 2021? Sometimes motor sport isn't fair.
Over the years, we have seen many a driver come and go. Some by their own accord and others with no choice. Racing drivers can be dropped by their teams for many reasons including performance and money. In this case, in regards to Checo, it definitely isn't his performance.
"Pay Drivers" have been a talking point in the world of motor sport for a long time with money being supplied from, as an example, rich parents or large sponsorships. Also, nine times out of ten, these supposed "Pay Drivers" have disappointing previous racing results and performances. So, why do the teams, F1 in particular, seem so attracted to them? Well, one word. Money. The more money a team has, the more they can spend on developing a car and thus, getting the results they want and in the long term making some kind of profit. It's all about money and puts talented drivers out of a seat and destroys any dream of racing at the very top.
However, is it really fair to call them "Pay Drivers?" When some pay their way in and make a positive impact on the sport? Examples of these are Niki Lauda, Michael Schumacher and Fernando Alonso; all going on to win championships in Formula One. "Pay Driver" is a very broad term and one which could use a bit more clarification as the majority of drivers bring in some kind of sponsorship money. Whether it be through an academy or business, they bring it. However, it will always be a case of who has the most dollar bills.
Sergio Perez was once and sometimes still is classified as a "Pay Driver" and still brings a large sum into the Racing Point Team to this day. So why drop him? And, why does no team want to make space for him? I don't think it is a case of not wanting him, I think it's a case of contracts are signed, there is just no space for him and my dad has more money than your sponsorship. Which is a major issue as there are many drivers who deserve to be in this sport based on their talents. 20 seats in Formula One is just not enough and again, money is the reason behind that. I mean, look at teams we have lost due to the cost of just being at a Grand Prix. HRT, Marussia, Caterham, just to name a few.
The possibility of losing Sergio Perez from this sport is a travesty. He is working his midfield car to the maximum and getting the results, something us racing fans love to see. But sometimes talent just doesn't cut it and money is the key. Or, in this case, family ties. A lot of people seem to be disappointed that Racing Point has decided to keep on Lance Stroll, the son of the owner of the team, over the more experienced Sergio Perez. I don't think I need to say much there, it's quite self explanatory. However, in all fairness to Lance, he has proved himself somewhat this year. I don't think we should write him off just yet. However, if I was to drop Lance or Checo based on performance, it would be Lance. Sorry.
In conclusion, no, motor sport isn't fair. But what is? Formula One should be about the very best racing one another to the limit not about who has the biggest wallet. But, it is what it is and nothing is going to change anytime soon. Until then, I just hope Perez can somehow get another chance in Formula One. *Glares at Red Bull.* He's not the first decent driver we have lost. And, boy, he won't be the last either.
Comments