Karthikeyan: F1 is no longer viable for small teams
Narain Karthikeyan believes that F1 no longer offers a viable economic environment, especially for small teams with smaller budgets, like Caterham and Marussia, who are absent in Austin this weekend for the 17th round of the 2014 Formula 1 season.
Narain Karthikeyan, former F1 driver with Jordan and HRT, believes that Formula 1 is no longer economically viable for small teams. The Indian driver spoke following the announcement of Caterham’s non-participation in the United States and Brazilian Grand Prix, Marussia’s absence from the United States GP, and financial difficulties recently encountered by Force India.
« F1 is simply too expensive and really not viable for the small teams. First HRT, now Caterham/Marussia, we’ve been expecting this since 2010, » Karthikeyan explained on his Twitter feed.
Karthikeyan believes that the explosion of costs has made the situation unsustainable for the teams. He even thinks that despite the reduction in the number of cars on the track – 18 in Austin instead of the usual 22 – it will not change anything for spectators and viewers.
« 18 cars in Austin for the next GP but unfortunately the absentees won’t be missed by anyone once the first lap is completed without incidents. That’s the truth, » added Karthikeyan.
