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Ralf Schumacher highlights the Fernando Alonso size issue with F1 that is costing F2 champions ‘deserving’ seats

Originally posted on FirstSportz | By Justin P Joy | Last updated 3/14/24

Over the years winning the F2 championship was often considered a criterion for an immediate F1 promotion. But unfortunately, the last two champions of the second-tier open wheel racing championship are still reserve drivers for F1 teams. What is more concerning is that the 2024 F1 grid doesn’t feature a single rookie, despite multiple teams having drivers who are not on the premier level.

Young drivers today who have big dreams for their talents don’t have a financial safety net to fall back on. Alongside the lack of financial support and rise of pay drivers. another major factor that is stopping the progression of youngsters in the longevity of careers of F1 veterans such as Ferando Alonso and Lewis Hamilton, who are still capable of easily dominating the whole field. Ex-F1 driver Ralf Schumacher recently highlighted this issue that is hurting the sports’ future.

Money can beat talent because you have so much time in a kart or in a car that you can learn how to do it. But also to break this vicious circle so that young drivers get a chance again. And instead, Alonso, now 42, is going along. Nothing against Alonso - but it can't be the goal of Formula 1 to get older and older. Ralf Schumacher told speedweek.com.

Back in their days no matter what it was a cardinal rule, that talent would prevail despite the financial background, which is not the case anymore. According to Schumacher F1 needs to reconsider their age criteria, so the young talent gets the chance that they actually deserve. The way Ferrari gave Oliver Bearman a chance to perform at the Saudi Arabian GP, Schumacher hopes that the other teams will follow the suit in future.

Aston Martin are doing their best to keep Fernando Alonso for long

Fernando Alonso is the Aston Martin’s most prized possession. Alonso joined the team last year and pulled multiple podiums for the team in the first half of last season. This year his contract with the team ends. He is getting enquiries from other teams, Aston Martin is aware that they will have to do everything in their power to keep him in the team. While speaking to the media regarding the same the Aston Martin team principal Mick Krack conformed this.

We want to continue working with Fernando. The most important thing is that we give him a quick car so he believes in this project, believes in this team. It is clear that a driver of that calibre is attractive for everybody. That is clear. But we will try to keep him. Mick Krack said.

The two-time F1 champion is the oldest driver on the grid at the moment. Alonso had surprised everyone with his performance last season. With Lewis Hamilton’s move to Ferrari in 2025, the Mercedes seat is opening up, and Alonso is the obvious candidate for the same. Previously Alonso had mentioned, that after a few races into this season, he would make up his mind regarding his future.

This article first appeared on FirstSportz and was syndicated with permission.

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