Sportman: Drivers Without Sponsors? F Off!

So it is this time of year where I die a little in side - Formula One hibernates for another four months.

Yes, I the left-wing teen who hates big money invading sport, loves the biggest motorsport in the world.

In this time, the 11 teams confirmed for next year will change their cars to fit new regulations for the 2014 season. However, there is something more important that is changing this season - the drivers.

Formula One in the past few years has become a sport of politics and who has the biggest buck, rather than who deserves a seat. We have had a breath of fresh air/worrying swarm of young drivers coming through the sport and making me feel old.

There are three rookie drivers who will start on the grid, with more to be announced. These kids are: Daniil Kvyat (19, Toro Rosso), Kevin Magnussen (21, McLaren) and Sergey Sirotkin (Sauber and he is 10 days younger than me).

Of course, some of you will be asking me, "Are you telling me that you are angry that young drivers are on the grid?"

Well, I wouldn't say angry, more frustrated.

The fact is, that these boys - despite their racing talent - will be chosen because they are worth vital money to the team, take a look at some of the previous rookies:

Pastor Maldonado

Venezuelan driver, soon to be ex-Williams, has developed a reputation for being quite aggressive and clumsy. Won the Spanish Grand Prix in 2012.

 Sergio Perez

Also replaced. Showed promising signs in his debut year at Sauber, before being snapped up by McLaren. Still trying to find a seat for next year.

Esteban Gutierrez

Newbie who has had a competent year, but obviously replaced Kobayashi due to his sponsorship.

This has left some very talented drivers leaving F1. Heikki Kovaleinen was gutted when asked about a seat at the end of 2012, stating that sponsors ruin chances for good drivers. Kamui Kobayashi - one of the most exciting race drivers of 2011 and 2012 - also lost his drive for Sauber in favour of Esteban Gutierrez. They also join a list of Nico Hulkenberg, Pastor Maldonado (ironically), Paul Di Resta, Sergio Perez (also ironically) and Adrian Sutil.

This spells danger for Di Resta and Sutil as both drivers do not have an oil-rig named after them or came out the womb to be sponsored by Telemex.

I know that karting has never been a hobby for the working-class, but they are certainly distancing the sport from the poorer folk. Why would I want to watch drivers who are only in the sport because of millionaires? And who can even say for certain if we will be able to watch this sport for free in the future?

Can drivers make it into Formula One without sponsorship these days? Yes, but it will take some talent. The best way to get into F1 these days is through Toro Rosso's youth system, but even at that, it's a slim chance.

Surely there will be an uproar about skint drivers losing out on opportunities? Probably, but Bernie Ecclestone won't change anything. The more money, the better.

Apparently.

Leave comments below and tell me your opinion about the state of Formula One financially.

Do you think that sponsored drivers are just as good as those who do not receive funding?

Who do you think is the best driver to receive mass funding?

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