What is it ?

[Sykes]

Since the first Formula 1 Grand Prix, some 50 years ago, the changes in this unique form of motor racing are almost incomprehensible. I am sure that the motivations of the teams as well as the drivers of then were quite different to what they are now. By virtue of the vast amounts of $'s being absorbed (and generated) by the sport in the later years, victory and glory in 2000 has a different ring to what it had in the early times. One thing is certain, plenty bucks do play a huge rôle in the sport, and not only for the driver. I do recall an instance where it was said that the huge sum that MS is being paid by Ferrari (or Scuderia Ferrari, I don't know) is actually well covered by profits from increased sales, which in turn suggests that he was, and still is, part of a venturesome undertaking.

I do not for one moment think that any of the current F1 drivers have any shortages in terms of income (yes, some get less than others but that's a different debate). My real question is this:
What is it that really motivates and inspires these individuals to go to the lengths that they do? A 1, 2, 3 or more WDC and then hang up their ... let's say steering wheels. Or is it the podium and the accompanying public exposure and glory ? The travels around the globe ? Flying from country to country ? The continued adrenalin rush ? The jubilant supporters in the stands ? The fame ? The inherent danger ? Surely the money must be something secondary.

Whatever it is, I'm sure it must be addictive. I know that I am addicted to the sport and until next season I'll just have to put up with the (temporary) withdrawal symptoms. My own "Silly Season" !

[EERO]

Welcome Sykes, great post.

I often think, as I read the press and see that the #2 driver on a backmarker team suggests that he has set his goal as the WDC, that optimism rules eternal.

Yet I think the hope of winning is everything, recall the joy of Barrichello on his first win, Alesi's jubilation in Montreal in 1995, Brambilla crashing on his victory lap in Austria...

I believe that most of them believe that they are good, or almost as good as any other driver on the grid, and with a little luck,their turns will come.

It is an addiction and I suffer it as well. Bring on 2001!

[Diabando]

Hello Sykes!

Interesting topic!

I would have to say that I think most drivers would begin their career with the utmost desire to become a world class driver, and to win a WDC. Then, depending on their level of success, they would either be continuing to strive for a first win or podium, or alternatively basking in and enjoying the status of being a top level driver. In any case, I believe all drivers start with a love of F1.

I think the money side comes at the end, and I will use TGF as an example here. He has reached a goal, probably even exceeded his initial ideal. I have no doubt that he still has the inner desire to drive at top level, but considering a quote he made some years ago along the lines of "I want to make enough money, that I never, ever, have to worry about my financial situation again", one would have to assume that at this point in his career, with the Ferrari WDC in the bag, his goal would now be to finish the next year or two on a high note, and rake the dollars in before he retires.

Good luck to all of them, whatever the initial motivation was.

Cheers!