F1 needs an influx of new blood, says Nigel Mansell

F1 needs an influx of new blood, says Nigel Mansell

Sunday 28 January 2018 14:34

Former world champion Nigel Mansell believes that developments in safety have led to the Grand Prix grid becoming stale, and feels that the sport desperately needs an influx of new faces in order to remain interesting and thrilling in the years ahead.

Mansell referenced the relatively short career cycles of drivers from his day compared to now, and thinks that while the safety improvements have been a welcome measure, they have inevitably led to drivers having longer careers.

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As a result, drivers at the top end of the grid are staying involved longer, leaving talented replacements with nowhere to go.

Mansell said: "No disrespect to Formula 1 but the depth of competition is not there like it was in the 80s and 90s.

"We want to see 26 cars on the grid. There is an awful lot of worthy drivers who are backlogged and have nowhere to go. Through the years, there were drivers being injured out of the sport and being replaced.

"There was always a new influx of blood every year, always cars to get into. That has dried up. The FIA have done an incredible job with safety, the manufacturers have worked closely to make the cars safer.

"A driver almost has twice the career span which is good for them, but the drivers waiting to break in will never get the opportunity."