Sergey Sirotkin not happy with the 'pay-driver' label

Sergey Sirotkin, who is set to become the youngest driver in Formula One when he debuts for Sauber next season, has been termed ‘pay-driver’ by many. The Russian’s father is among the key people who have bailed out Sauber from its financial woes and this has apparently earned him the label. Sirotkin, however, is not happy with the tag.

“That is completely wrong. There is much more to it. We are talking about a big project, where another driver could have been selected. It’s not an investment in me, it’s about the big picture. It’s not that I’m going to drive in F1 for fun, I have been selected because of my performance. I want people to respect what I do. It’s about the promotion of formula one in Russia. And it’s also quite normal that the driver also brings a sponsor, just as Fernando Alonso brings Santander bank to Ferrari“, said Sirotkin.

British driver Jenson Button is among the people who believes that Sirotkin is too young for a Formula One debut.

“I began racing at 8, but even at twenty, realistically speaking, it was too early. I had to learn about the sport from the inside. On the one hand, it’s good, but on the other hand, you can’t hide. I think another year in the junior categories would have helped me come to formula one much more prepared. I was not ready at 17. Maybe he is, I don’t know, but he needs to be careful. Formula one is a tough business”, Button said.

Source: One Stop Strategy