F1 drivers driving what they want.
Discussion
rhysenna said:
Just watching Jenson driving the new McLaren got me thinking, can F1 drivers drive any road car they like or do they have to drive a car that's part of the team they drive for?
Could lewis go out and buy a 458 and drive it around?
Same for Alonso, could he buy an MP4/12C?
Depends entirely on their contractual obligations.Could lewis go out and buy a 458 and drive it around?
Same for Alonso, could he buy an MP4/12C?
I'd be surprised if a driver's contract specifically forbade driving cars from other manufacturers.
A lot of them have classics for example. Jenson has something of a car collection and they're not all Mercs.
I'm sure Schumacher in particular didn't have to sell all his Ferraris when he joined Mercedes.
Anyhow, for everyday driving, if you're given a car for free (or at least the exclusive use of a car) it would be a bit pointless to use your own money to buy something else.
A lot of them have classics for example. Jenson has something of a car collection and they're not all Mercs.
I'm sure Schumacher in particular didn't have to sell all his Ferraris when he joined Mercedes.
Anyhow, for everyday driving, if you're given a car for free (or at least the exclusive use of a car) it would be a bit pointless to use your own money to buy something else.
Mr Will said:
Great Pretender said:
Depends entirely on their contractual obligations.
Even when they are allowed, I'd think a big factor is the cost difference. If you were Jenson, would you go out and buy a 458 with your own money when your boss will give you a free MP4-12C if you ask nicely?And then spend the rest on coke and hookers like a proper racing driver should
Ferrari drivers are always seen in the company product. To be fair to Ferrari the Fiat group do cover all the bases well enough so it's hardly a hardship. Schumacher at the race of champions though wouldn't drive any of the other cars, aside from the buggies, the Fiat and the Ferrari.
For most other teams it's really down to being a bit sensible. McLaren will not look favourably on Lewis if he starts rolling around in a Ferrari 458 while they're tying to get their rival off the ground. Renault will expect their boys to publicly knock around in a Clio or similar but if they're at their holiday home and fancy a spin in a 911 then they won't mind
For most other teams it's really down to being a bit sensible. McLaren will not look favourably on Lewis if he starts rolling around in a Ferrari 458 while they're tying to get their rival off the ground. Renault will expect their boys to publicly knock around in a Clio or similar but if they're at their holiday home and fancy a spin in a 911 then they won't mind
thinfourth2 said:
I do remember some F1 driver being asked what the best car in the world was and he replied a renault laguna or some other coperate speak
Schumacher said that in the mid 90s while at Benetton.Apparently though he believes it to be at least partially true. Being that every road car he drives will feel limp, lifeless and tied to a tree next to his F1 wheels, a Laguna is ideal, it's relaxing, comfortable, well appointed and totally anonymous.
I would guess that their contracts would say that they need to use a provided [insert-official-car-here] when on business/representing the team. i.e. so when turning up to the circuit, public events, etc. but in their own time, driving for pleasure, they can drive what they want. If their team "give" them a nice shiny sports car that they like then they may end up using that most the time anyway.
i think it depends on the driver really, as i remember kimi had an enzo while he was still at mclaren which i doubt they were completely happy about but then we know he's always done his own thing, i think most will use cars supplied by teams/ sponsors and why not really, they'll always get the best cars for nothing though with the sort of schedules they have i doubt they do many miles in any of them
Gassing Station | General Gassing | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff