Autosport (UK)

Is money talking too loudly in Formula 1?

- David C Berkey New York

Lead drivers have had a say over who occupies the other side of the garage for much of F1’s history. This trend gained momentum in the 1980s to the point where it has now become (sadly) commonplac­e.

While it is understand­able for a world champion, or potential future world champion, to want/expect the team’s primary energies to be focused in their direction, the Stroll/ Force India situation has potential implicatio­ns for our sport.

No disrespect to Lance, but he is far from what any of us would consider a lead driver. While I understand him not wanting to be blown into the weeds by the guy in the opposite cockpit, his father’s money should not be allowed to push the likes of Esteban Ocon out of a well-deserved ride. Man-up, Lance. Who knows, you might have an extra gear or two between your legs that you didn’t know about.

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