The Future?

[MrKipling43]

No, this isn't a dig at Hamilton, just a slightly satirical suggestion as to the way F1 drivers will be chosen in the future.

A discussion I was having with Flemke on another thread got me thinking about this.

Nowhere else in the world do companies as big as the ones competing in F1 put so many eggs in one - or, as the case may be, two - baskets. So much money and time and effort and reputation is put in the hands of one barely adult. 900 people and half a billion dollars in the care of someone who's only had a driving licence for five years is one helluva responsibility.

How young will these guys go in terms of getting kids on their books, under contract and committed to a career in F1? How far will they be willing to go to make sure their child will be the best?

[Jungles]

"DENNIS : WHITMARSH"

So... who's pregnant?

[belleair302]

I am not sure that many teams will be signing drivers much younger than 14 or 15, however they will be looking via scouts and feeder routes at the best younger talent from across the world. Good karting pedigree does not always make good single seat drivers, but it can help. Until kids race with wings and slicks its hard to see who can really handle and setup a car.

[MrKipling43]

But surely if the raw speed is there, all that stuff can be taught?

[Jungles]

Basic racing can be taught. But as one gets to higher levels of racing (or any physical activity), they must develop their skills into their own personal style. For some, their eventual developed style doesn't translate well to particular categories of motorsport.

So style matters. I suppose style is a "learned" thing, but it does tend to differ between people, regardless of how much training they receive.

I don't think it's wise to sign up anyone for a long-term programme until they prove themselves at Formula Ford level.

Karting is a good measure of raw driving talent, yes. But a driver must also have technical aptitude and a suitable temperament, which probably won't show up until Formula Ford.

Edited by Jungles on Tuesday 10th July 14:49

[runnersp]

I've always been surprised at the lack of talent scouting going on in car sports. In motorcycle racing most top end riders of the new generation were picked up at an impossibly young age, just look at Dani Pedrosa and Jorge Lorenzo...