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Face facts guys, F1 is more old boys club than sport these days. The ladder you talk about simply doesn't exist, with drives going to those with the best connections or deepest pockets - preferably both. With falling audiences, ever more complex cars and dwindling sponsor income, funding car advantage is now key. Talent is a low priority.
That's why the grid is full of tycoon offspring and familiar names like Palmer, Rosberg, Sainz and Verstappen.
Canada's Lance Stroll (Tommy Hilfiger), Monaco's Charles Leclerc (French supermarkets) and Russia's Nikita Mazepin (oligarch's son) will be along soon to take on young Alesi, Newey, Palmer (another one!) and Schumacher.
Nothing new I suppose - we've already had one-hit-wonders from 2nd generation Hill and Villeneuve - but I can't help thinking audiences and sponsors would return if F1 looked more like a meritocracy.
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