Money, Money, Money.

Hey readers. Hope you all had an enjoyable Christmas and New Years! I sure did. I am now back with some more crazy, opinionated posts that I hope you'll relate to and agree with on some level. My first post of 2018 is related to an article I recently spotted on some well respected motorsport news sites and it got me thinking. So, sit back and relax!

The article in question is one that appeared on Autosport on 7th January and was titled; "Pierre Gasly: I've proved you don't need money to reach Formula One."And as much as I respect Pierre as a driver and a person, I have to completely disagree with the above statement he has made. Long story short, in this day and age, it's all about money. Talent is starting to mean jack-sh*t, in some sort of context.

First of all, let's look at Pierre and drivers in a similar position; junior team drivers. Usually, the most easiest way into a junior team is talent, performance and potential. But that doesn't mean a free entry. Although the purpose of a junior team is to give a driver a stable and finance free (?) way off getting to Formula One, at the end of the day the junior team is sponsoring the said driver so despite what I just said, is it really money free?

Still on the subject of junior drivers, although backed by a junior team, some of these drivers also bring their own sponsorship. Example; Carlos Sainz bringing Spanish brands Cepsa and Estrella Galicia to the sport. (I should mention that Cepsa was with Toro Rosso before Sainz's F1 appearance but he was still sponsored by them in junior series.) As a Carlos Sainz fan, I am not saying he did this at all as he has proved himself on raw talent, but it makes you think, if drivers are bringing their own sponsorship to a junior team, how long is it until drivers are buying their way in?

Unfortunately, this is the story in Formula One in this day and age. Young, talented drivers are missing out due to richer, not as talented drivers paying for their seat. The sad thing is, due to the expense of F1 these days, these said pay drivers are keeping teams viable and in my opinion this shouldn't be the way. Of course we need to understand that in some way, every driver is bringing some sort of sponsorship to their team. So, the point I'm trying to make here, no matter how much it pains me, it is next to impossible to get a Formula One drive without money, but of course, in Pierre Gasly's case, talent does help.

Formula One 2017 Top 10 Drivers

I know the 2017 Formula One season finished a couple of weeks ago now and we are currently cruising through December; but every time I go to write this post, something happens. E.g, the Carmen Jorda situation but we can talk about that another day. Today I am going to be giving you a run down of my top ten drivers from this year's Formula One season.

I think my top ten list is quite interesting and I've put all biastry (is that even a word?) aside and looked at this from a professional sort of view. All these are views and opinions of my own. If you don't agree with any of my choices then you don't agree. I'd be very interested to hear all your own versions! Let's go!

#10 - Lance Stroll

If you had asked me before if I would ever put this driver in my top ten, the answer would have been a firm and comfortable no. But oh, how things have changed. When Stroll was announced as a Williams Formula One driver, I laughed. I've never rated Stroll. In fact, I only ever saw him as a Maldonado-esque type driver thanks to his Formula Three antics a while back. The first few races of the season seemed to confirm how I felt about the young Canadian but then, things changed. He started to actually finish races and finish in the points also. He then managed to bag himself a podium in Baku. Some might say that was luck, fair enough, but he still beat drivers capable of beating him. Every since then he's just improved, his finally fit in. He is a fully fledged Formula One driver and deserves a spot on my list.

#9 - Sergio Perez

As one half of Force India's epic (arguable) driver pairing, Perez comes in at number nine. A strong finisher and point scorer this season leading to Force India's best season in Formula One to date, despite numerous clashes with team mate Ocon. Perez is a strong driver, with his first podium coming in Malaysia, 2012 in a Sauber. A move to McLaren saw in fluctuate slightly but since moving to Force India he is a force to be recogned with. Oh, and congratulations on becoming a father Sergio!

#8 - Fernando Alonso

Arguably the best driver on the grid. Number eight is Fernando Alonso. Since moving back to McLaren to join it's pairing with Honda, Alonso has had, how can I say it, a really sh*t time. Numerous engine failures and extra power units leading grid penalty after grid penalty has left, not just Alonso and McLaren frustrated but Formula One fans too. Alonso makes this list for out-performing his dodgy car. Constantly vying for more. Never giving up. And now Honda and McLaren have split, I am looking forward to see what McLaren, Renualt and Alonso will offer. Also, quick mention to Alonso's team mate Vandoorne, who unfortunatley just missed out on this list. A strong season for him to with the car he had under him.

#7 - Carlos Sainz

Ah, the one everyone would presume I'd put top. Wrong. I think it is fair to say that Sainz has had one heck of a season. Without him, Toro Rosso would have scored only a mere five points this season and with a move to Renault towards the end of the season, the Spaniard is already matching that of the more experienced Hulkenburg. Despite technical glitches and failures, Sainz has been a strong and consistent driver this year. I honestly cannot wait for the team battle at Renault next season!

#6 - Daniel Ricciardo

The top six was a difficult choice. And so, Ricciardo landed here. Plagued by technical issues (the story of the season), Ricciardo still raced his heart out and the battle over at Red Bull was one not to miss. For me, Azerbaijan was Ricciardo's highlight of the year with a controversial overtake and a beautiful win to end a chaotic race. Ricciardo did also win the said team battle at Red Bull. However, the Aussie has had stronger years.

#5 - Valterri Bottas

This was tough. Does Ricciardo get this spot or do I give it to Bottas. Alas, I gave it to Bottas. Why? Well, purely based on the reason he was a lot closer to team mate Hamilton than I expected. He would out qualify the four time world champion a couple times as well as winning the odd race. Surely Bottas can be much closer next year?

#4 - Max Verstappen

Here we have good, old (young?) Verstappen at number four. Like team mate Ricciardo, the young Dutchman was plagued by technicle issues which in return comprimised his season but when he was able to race with no problems, he raced and, coincidently, won every time Toro Rosso driver Daniil Kvyat was dropped. Now Kvyat has been dropped by the energy drink company completely, will Verstappen win in Oz? I don't know. But, if Red Bull get a competitive car again, look out for this guy.

#3 - Esteban Ocon

There was no doubt that Ocon would make it into my top three. One of THE impressive drivers of the season. Consistently finishing races with the majority if not all of them in the top ten. The Frenchman matched team mate Perez all season. You may start asking "why is Ocon a lot higher than Perez?" Well, for me, his age and the fact he has only done one and a half seasons in the sport. Ocon has a pretty decent future ahead of him.

#2 - Sebastian Vettel

Vettel. This was the guy I wanted to win the championship but just like the Red Bull drivers, the four time world champion was hindered by reliability and of course we need to mention the "oopsie-daisy" that was the start of the Singapore Grand Prix. Vettel is one of the best and without the problems just mentioned, he could very well possibly have made that a fifth world championship. But alas, that was not to be.

#1 - Lewis Hamilton

You may be surprised I've put Hamilton here as I am not his number one fan. But just like Vettel, just like Alonso; Hamilton is one of the best and although currently has the best car on the grid, he more than often out performs his team mate. Hamilton kept his head down this year and barely made an error and therefor gets my number one spot.

So, there we have it. My top ten drivers of 2017. I'd love to hear if you agree or disagree with me. Who is in your top ten? Drop a comment or send me a tweet @brxn_! I look forward to hearing!

Formula One Off-Season For Dummies

The 2017 Formula One season has come to a close (cue the tears) and everyone goes into hibernation. Just like last year, and the year before that and many, many years before that. Here, I have drawn up five ideas to help you get your motorsport fix throughout the off-season.

Idea #1: Formula E

With the majority of motorsport series on their annual winter break, there is one championship that has just got underway for its fourth season and this series is Formula E. You've never heard of it? Do you live under a rock? Formula E (or FE for short) is a class of motor racing that uses electric powered cars and has attracted a number of well known drivers throughout its very short life thus far. And, although it sounds like remote control cars racing around the circuit, the driver proficiency provides excellent and close racing. Definitely not one to miss.

Idea #2: Go Racing!

Bored one weekend? Go to a karting track. There are plenty of tracks up and down the country to have a play with. Also, getting together with the crew for a quick race or two provides excellent social stimulation and competitiveness.

Can't afford a trip to the track? No worries, have a race on your gaming console. And if you can, race online with people from across the globe who share your passion for speed.

Also, a quick tip, if you happen to be on holiday or in or near Weston-Super-Mare, UK for one reason or another; they have a perfectly, realistic Formula One simulator at the pier. Thank me later.

Idea #3: Volunteer

You may have read "volunteer" and have thought "WTF?!?" But seriously, have you ever thought of volunteering at a karting track? I have never done this myself but I know people who have and not only do you get the satisfaction of being around motorsport and petrol heads but you get the experience and life lessons to take with you on your next venture. Who knows, you may even get offered a job.

Idea #4: Autosport Show

At the beginning of every year there is the infamous Autosport International Show in Birmingham, UK. A show dedicated to a whole heap of motorsport series, live interviews with some of motorsports well known and a great day out/experience overall. I'm hoping to go, are you?

Idea #5: Re-watch races

Ok, so here we are, #5. The last idea is pretty simple. Why not re-watch races or seasons from long ago? As we known, FOM are tight when it comes to copyright but I'm sure there will be links to races somewhere.

Ok, so that was my top five ideas to keep you sane throughout the motorsport winter period!