Third driver in Formula 1: Bemusing strategy by teams?

Was Esteban Gutiérrez rushed into his drive with Sauber?

You never know, but Esteban Gutiérrez had his share of track time as well. He first tasted a Formula 1 car way back in December 2009, as a result of winning the Formula BMW Championship. He took part in the Young Driver test in 2010 and 2011, and also made his only run at a Free Practice session in India in 2012. But then again, Bottas and Bianchi had a consistent set of runs heading into the 2013 season, something that Esteban couldn’t afford. Is it hurting his performance?

Heading into the British Grand Prix, Esteban stated that the external critics aren’t a concern for his motivation, as he is more focused on impressing the team.

“When you’re fighting in the top 10, people look at you more and you show more, I’m not here to show the people what I can do, I’m just here to do what I want to achieve. I’m working to my realities at the moment. My job at the moment is to work with the team to try to get to that window of performance. That’s my focus and that’s what I want to achieve not only to show that I can accomplish the results, but for ourselves.” – Esteban Gutiérrez

That “Pay Driver” with no mirrors!

Lap 37 at the Canadian Grand Prix saw a collision between Mark Webber and Giedo Van der Garde due to which Webber suffered a damage, which cost him a position or two. The furious Webber then commented about Giedo as a ‘pay driver with no mirrors’.

Giedo later retaliated to Webber’s comments during a chat with Autosport, where he said that the penalty and Webber’s comments are harsh, as he is one of the fairest drivers on the grid.

“It is tough, but I am one of the fairest drivers out there and I don’t hit anybody. I will learn from the mistakes but I think the penalties are a bit harsh. I feel a bit sorry for Mark – it was not my intention to hit him.” – Giedo speaking to Autosport!

For someone who has been a part of McLaren’s Young Driver Programme from the 2006 season, and also being the oldest of rookies, it wouldn’t seem a tall ask to be asked to outpace his teammate at all possible scenarios, but the situation would be tough while certainly driving for Caterham, and having Charles Pic as your teammate. Charles Pic is a driver who certainly can push the boundaries, and can also have a feud with any driver on the grid, including his own teammate.

For sure, Giedo would have a tough time to outpace his teammate even during the second half of the season. Giedo had his first experience with a Formula 1 car way back in the 2007 season, after resolving a contract dispute with Super Aguri. He was scheduled to be announced as a driver for Virgin Racing in 2011, but failed to secure a final contract. He was a test driver for Caterham in 2012, before being promoted to race seat for this season.