F1 | Alesi: "The system must be changed, if you don't pay you won't get to Formula 1"

This week, during the Ferrari tests taking place in Fiorano, the former Formula 1 driver, Jean Alesi, had the satisfaction of seeing his son Giuliano at the wheel of a 71 SF2018H. However, the Frenchman is aware that that it was the only opportunity as there will be no place for his son in Formula 1. Alesi Jr is in fact out of the FDA program and this year he will not compete in Formula 2, but in the Japanese Super Formula.

“It was fantastic to see my son behind the wheel of a Ferrari”, Alesi commented to “La Gazzetta dello Sport”.

“In Japan he will race almost every weekend, which is practically impossible in Europe unless you spend a lot of money. Today you have to be a billionaire and buy a team, otherwise you won't make it to the world of Formula 1. The seats are blocked by the drivers of Vasseur and Wolff. Luckily there is Ferrari, which supplies engines to some F1 teams so they can also supply the drivers. Mick Schumacher got his place in Formula 1 even with his Formula 2 title, but without the support of Maranello it wouldn't have been possible."

The Frenchman also added that another example of the system not working effectively is that Sergio Perez risked not finding a place for 2021:

“He finished in fourth place with a budget of 15 million in his pocket, yet found himself almost without a place this season. This must change, there's no way Hamilton should have to fight like crazy to get paid what he deserves and then young drivers should pay to put on a show."