I've been thinking about this question in the days since the signing of this 17 year old Russian driver was announced by Sauber.
Obviously the initial reaction is the fact that this is aimed at gaining more sponsorship money from Russian based backers in the time honored tradition of F1 team's.
When you think about that though, there would surely be a number of more experienced Russian drivers, Petrov for example, who would be far less risky than a young un-tested 17 year old driver.
A quick look at Sirotikin shows that he has put some good performances in at the lower level winning a European championship in Formula Abarth (roughly F3 level) and finishing 3rd in the European F3000 (now known as Auto GP) championship last year. He clearly has some talent and ability.
But, is the signing of a driver of this age showing that F1 is getting comparatively easier ?? Are drivers starting at a younger age or is the difference in skills required to drive at each stage a lot closer than they ever were?
Obviously the initial reaction is the fact that this is aimed at gaining more sponsorship money from Russian based backers in the time honored tradition of F1 team's.
When you think about that though, there would surely be a number of more experienced Russian drivers, Petrov for example, who would be far less risky than a young un-tested 17 year old driver.
A quick look at Sirotikin shows that he has put some good performances in at the lower level winning a European championship in Formula Abarth (roughly F3 level) and finishing 3rd in the European F3000 (now known as Auto GP) championship last year. He clearly has some talent and ability.
But, is the signing of a driver of this age showing that F1 is getting comparatively easier ?? Are drivers starting at a younger age or is the difference in skills required to drive at each stage a lot closer than they ever were?
