Bourdais: F1 has 'no consideration' for US-based drivers
Sebastien Bourdais says Formula 1 figures have "no consideration" for drivers who may wish to make the switch from IndyCar into grand prix racing, wading into the debate regarding American drivers in the series.
Haas team boss Günther Steiner caused a stir in IndyCar earlier this month when he said that no American drivers were ready to race in F1, sparking backlash from figures such as Mario Andretti, who called the comments "wrong and arrogant".
Sebastien Bourdais says Formula 1 figures have "no consideration" for drivers who may wish to make the switch from IndyCar into grand prix racing, wading into the debate regarding American drivers in the series.
Haas team boss Günther Steiner caused a stir in IndyCar earlier this month when he said that no American drivers were ready to race in F1, sparking backlash from figures such as Mario Andretti, who called the comments "wrong and arrogant".
Speaking to the official IndyCar website, Bourdais - who raced in F1 with Toro Rosso in 2008 and 2009 - said there was no consideration of IndyCar drivers by F1 teams when it came to filling race seats, but admitted his own struggles may not have helped the situation.
"There is just no consideration. They are in their little bubble on their own island," Bourdais said.
"Either you play their game and are rated on their game or you are just not rated at all.
“I completely understand that the American drivers take it personal because it’s not fair, but since when is F1 fair? It’s never been fair.
“It took me three championships in the U.S and the Formula 3000 championship to finally get an opportunity. So yeah, and obviously, I really didn’t help the Americans because I failed.
"So, you see the way people can perceive Indy car drivers. [Alex] Zanardi was before me and stuff like that, and it didn’t turn into a fairytale."
