The F1 Farm System

This is the Statt Mann Baby. Time to Scatt a little bit.

I come from a generation that believes Formula One is the pinnacle of all motor racing worldwide. But that’s changing. Immensely!

Some examples: Ferrari went to partner team Haas Racing about firing one of its drivers to make room for a driver Ferrari wants to bring up to the big show next year.

To their credit, Haas said No! But comments indicate we should stay tuned.

Torro Rosso, Red Bull’s second string, gave one of its sponsored drivers permission to take off next weekend’s U.S. Grand Prix to race for a driver’s title in Japan’s Super Formula series.

Set to replace Pierre Gasly at Torro Rosso is Porsche Factory driver Brendan Hartley. Hartley and Porsche say Hartley has Porsche’s permission despite his commitments to Porsche in the World Endurance Championship where he won the title last year, won Le Mans this year and leads the points chasing another title this season.

Yes, F1 has come a long way when it becomes a borderline farm system for teams and crews who get a better offer.

Peace.