Sir Jackie Stewart believes the arrival of fresh faces has "rejuvenated" the sport, particularly Max Verstappen.
The next few years are predicted to see a changing of the guard in F1 as veterans like Fernando Alonso retire and Kimi Raikkonen makes way for 21-year-old Charles Leclerc at Ferrari.
Esteban Ocon, Lando Norris, George Russell and Pierre Gasly are just a few more names tipped to lead the sport into the next decade and for the Scot, it is all positive.
“We need young drivers, we need new blood,” Stewart was quoted by PlanetF1.
“And they’re out there. Suddenly, a Verstappen arrives and blows the place apart and that’s rejuvenating, in a way, for Formula 1, that he’s come in and done so well so quickly."
The triple world champion does have one concern looking forward, however.
“Red Bull had [a lot to do with Verstappen's rise], by bringing him on through the formative classes of the sport, but it’s tougher today than it’s ever been for a young driver to come along, to find the resources."
Also Read:
- Verstappen & Leclerc will be F1's new Hamilton & Vettel
- Hamilton claims he must raise his game against Verstappen & Leclerc
- Ocon tips Leclerc & Gasly to trigger a 'generational shift' in 2019
Stewart does have a solution though...
“If more multinational corporations were to take an interest [in F1], because everybody drives a car, whether it’s a Fiat or a Ferrari," he said.
“They’re all driving cars, so some of the commercial enterprises of the world should see that and use motorsport because it’s infectious, and bring young drivers along and hopefully bring them to the highest levels [of motorsport].”
