Formula One: Experienced drivers make way for rookies with the money

A list of drivers who came in with the money and those whose experience lost out.

Jules Bianchi is a Ferrary Driver Academy graduate. Sutton Motorsport Images

Max Chilton (Marussia)

A rookie whose father, Grahame, is non-executive chairman of the insurance giant Aon, and is worth in region of £100 million (Dh548m).

Jules Bianchi (Marussia)

A rookie and a member of Ferrari's Driver Academy. The grandnephew of the former F1 driver Lucien Bianchi brings sponsors Aethra, a Brazilian car parts manufacturer.

Giedo van der Garde (Caterham)

The Dutch rookie provides money from deals with McGregor, a Dutch fashion house, and Beelen.nl, a waste-management firm.

Charles Pic (Caterham)

The Frenchman raced with Marussia last year. He takes to his new team the backing from Groupe Charles Andre, the family business that is one of Europe's leading transport companies.

Adrian Sutil (Force India)

In 2008, the German was the only pay driver in the paddock. He returns after a year out of the sport and his numerous sponsors - such as Techart and Capri Sun - come too.

Esteban Gutierrez (Sauber)

The Mexican rookie's relationship with Telmex smoothed his route into Sauber, where he was the reserve driver last year.

Valtteri Bottas (Williams)

A protege of Williams shareholder Toto Wolff, the rookie brings sponsorship from Finnish companies Wihuri and Kemppi.

Pastor Maldonado (Williams)

A personal friend of the late Venezuelan president Hugo Chavez, the focus is now on PDVSA and whether the state-owned oil company will continue to invest in the driver in a post-Chavez Venezuela.

The one who missed out

Timo Glock

After 91 races, three podiums and five consecutive years in F1, the German, who had comparatively little backing, lost his seat at Marussia. He will now race in the German touring car championship.

Heikki Kovalainen

A former McLaren driver, the Finn has competed in 109 races with one win and four podiums, and impressed in three years at Caterham. Refused to consider canvassing sponsors to secure his seat.

Bruno Senna

More than 40 races and substantial backing to the tune of around US$10m (Dh36.7m) could not secure the son of legendary Brazilian Ayrton a seat. Will race in the World Endurance Championship.

Kamui Kobayashi

Sixty grands prix and sealed his best result - third - at his home race last year. Raised €8 million (Dh38.2m) through sponsorships and a crowd-sourcing initiative, but it was not enough.

Vitaly Petrov

The Russian bought his place in F1 three years ago through strong financial backing, yet even clinching Caterham 10th place in the Constructors' Championship could not save his seat.

Jaime Alguersuari

The youngest driver to race F1 (19, at Hungary 2009), the Spaniard spent three years at Toro Rosso but does not have the funding to muscle his way back into the field. Now a test driver for Pirelli, the F1 tyre supplier.

Follow us