Glock: This has nothing to do with sport

21/01/2013

With the Marussia announcement confirming that F1 driver contracts remain worthless, Timo Glock calls on the drivers' union to look into the situation.

When, over the course of the 2011 German Grand Prix weekend, Timo Glock announced a deal with Marussia that would see him remain with the team until the end of 2014, many thought the popular driver had lost his mind. Though it was good to have the security of a drive the following year, many, quite rightly, believed he could do a lot better, especially in light of the length of the contract.

Today's confirmation that he has been dropped because of the "tough economic conditions" will not only be a cold, hard slap in the face for the German driver, who faces the stark reality that his F1 career is over, but also to his many rivals, those already signed up for 2013 and those looking to enter the sport in the coming years.

While one has to sympathise with Marussia, one also has to question why it couldn't anticipate the situation in the first place and why it tied the German down to such a long contract.

Popular with race fans, especially in Britain considering his part in Lewis Hamilton's 2008 title win, Glock is also popular with his fellow drivers.

Among the first to offer their support was Mark Webber, the Australian tweeting: "You'll be missed matey on the drivers parade and drivers meetings chats. One of the good guys, and never went to your head. Enjoy the next challenge, be great to see you in a competitive car again. All the best buddy."

Shortly after, Paul di Resta added: "Bad news to see @realTimoGlock leave Marussia. Wishing him the best going forward."

Thanking the Scot for his comment and wishing him good luck for the season ahead, Glock's response to Webber was telling.

"Hi mate thanks a lot for that message that means a lot to me!," he tweeted. "That's the way of F1 at the moment hope it will change again soon...

Shortly after he added: "Because like this it has nothing to do with sport! Now it's up to you guys to make things clear in drivers meetings :-))) see you."

Today it is Glock who is dumped due to the "tough economic conditions", but who next? Fact is, other than the big guns nobody is safe.

After all the sacrifice, the blood, sweat, tears and money, drivers finally make it to the pinnacle of motorsport only to find that cash means more than talent. We are told that F1 is about the twenty-two best drivers on the planet when in reality it is about the five or six best with the remainder simply skilled at getting a decent budget together.

As those who have invested absolutely nothing in the sport flaunt their wealth, others, who have truly dedicated themselves to F1 find themselves shat upon.