Ex-Formula 1 and IndyCar racer Max Chilton believes F1’s uneven playing field makes the championship less of a sport.
Chilton spent two years racing at the back of the field with Marussia in F1. The 26-year-old couldn’t score a single point in the series, but went on to take multiple top 10 finishes in IndyCar, including fourth in the 2017 Indy 500.
He believes backmarkers cannot prove their talent in F1, and the gap from the front of the field to the back means the championship cannot claim to be a sport.
“I’ve raced against people like Daniel [Ricciardo] who win races so I know I am not a million miles away,” he told Sportsmail.
“It’s frustrating when the sport is that unfair. When you are driving and being passed by a car that’s 20mph faster that’s not sport.
“The problem F1 has got at the moment is there is a four-second gap between the lead car and the back car and that’s not really sport. Sport should be a level playing field or as close as possible.”
Chilton isn’t the only one to have claimed F1 is unfair. Engineering and technology means cars at the back of the field struggle to compete with those at the front, no matter the talent of the driver.
Chilton admitted no series is going to be an entirely level playing field, but believes IndyCar puts more emphasis on a driver’s talent.
“IndyCar next year is going to be as near a one-make series than they have done,” he said.
“Everyone has the same aero kit and there is very little difference between the engines and the racing should be even closer next year.
“So at least every car can be within a second which is great for the fans.”
Chilton will race with Carlin in the 2018 IndyCar series.
The Brit hasn’t ruled out a return to F1, but says he would only come back if he were driving in a “mid-to-front-running team”.
