In Formula 1, a “pay driver” refers to a racing driver who secures a seat on a team primarily by bringing financial backing or sponsorship rather than solely based on their racing talent. While there have been many talented pay drivers who have achieved success, their prominence has sometimes sparked debates about the balance between skill and financial support in the sport. Here are a few of the most famous pay drivers in recent Formula 1 history
It’s important to note that the term “pay driver” doesn’t necessarily imply a lack of talent. Many pay drivers have displayed remarkable driving skills and have contributed to the competitiveness of Formula 1. However, the presence of pay drivers has also led to discussions about the balance between financial backing and pure driving talent in the sport.
