Young Driver's Roulette

The final hurdle

GP2 has a large roster of Successful Formula 1 drivers. 2014 marks the first year 2 GP2 champions went head-to-head. The title fight between Hamilton and Rosberg proved to be one that almost tore their friendship apart. Going into the final round in Abu Dhabi, the media in both country's fully backed their hero's. From the time the engine was turned on, on Thursday, to the time the lights went out, neither driver wasn't being scrutinised by the media.

However; despite the many cameras and personnel in the paddock, their was another British Driver who had been fighting for the title with a young German. Alex Lynn had missed the opportunity to clinch the GP3 championship in style in Russia, but had scored enough to ensure German, Marvin Kirchhofer could not beat him and only fellow Brit Dean Stoneman could deny his title. He just needed to hope Stoneman didn't have a perfect weekend. That achievement was met when it was the German Kirchhofer who took pole position. Unfortunately for the German he failed in his bid to overtake Stoneman in the championship as Lynn cruised to a 5th and 2nd in his title winning weekend. A German having a not so good race with good results for the British driver(s). Somehow this is starting to ring bells.


So, what of them now. Lynn has been promoted to GP2, even if he has lost his Red Bull sponsorship. This honour has been taken up by Stoneman, who has decided to aim for the Formula Renault 3.5 championship, while Kirchhofer is still undecided.

Formula 1 champions are not plucked out of thin air, while Hamiltons youth career may be well documented and Max Verstappen has shone a light on Euro F3, it's easy to forget that these drivers haven't come from no where. They've raced for championships, they've had hard times, but if there's one thing they all crave, its winning.

With the 2015 GP2/3 season starting soon, we have more drivers fighting for an opportunity to get into F1. However; successful drivers remain in short supply. With the field down to 18 cars there are only 3 rookies in F1 this year with Verstappen and Sainz Jr. going to Torro Rosso (a team notable for having closed driver line-up choices. To add, this is the 3 year in a row, the GP2 champion has failed to get a seat in F1, instead Palmer has settled for a third driver role at Lotus.

This season appears to be one where the Formula 1 youth programme will take a front Seat. With Red Bull/ McLaren/ Ferrari and Lotus all proving they have up and coming talent. So, bring on the 2015 GP2 and GP3 Season, as we continue to look for F1's next superstar. With F1 becoming more about the car and strategy, these provide an opportunity for the worlds best to prove their ability. As they try to jump over the last hurdle before their ultimate goal.

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