Grosjean: 'Get rid of pay drivers in F1'

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Romain Grosjean agrees that Formula 1 should do its best to eliminate 'pay drivers' from the grid.

Recently, new sporting chief Ross Brawn admitted one of his goals - that the world's best 20 drivers are all on the F1 grid - might only be achievable through a fairer distribution of income.

Currently, some struggling teams make up their budgets by signing drivers who bring millions in personal sponsor or backer contributions.

"The reality is that at the bottom of the grid, business considerations related to the budgets of the drivers have become too great," Brawn told France's RMC.

Haas' Grosjean agrees with Ross Brawn's vision.

"I totally agree with him," he said.

"It's true that it has always existed in F1, but maybe it is now worse than before. There are a few that, if you look at their past results, would not necessarily have got to F1 without help".

So any team income distribution changes, like budget caps, would be good for F1 according to Grosjean.

"It would be positive for young drivers because we know how extremely difficult it is to arrive in F1, and if there are places taken by people who don't deserve it, there are even less places for young drivers," he said.

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.