Kamui Kobayashi has strongly hinted that he requires a sponsor to remain in Formula One next season, especially if he is to remain with a top team such as Sauber.
The Japanese driver secured his first ever podium last weekend at his home grand prix, but that hasn’t cured the need to bring money to a team – something which is becoming common place in the sport.
Whilst he’s focused on driving, he admits he will need to plough some time into seeking out some backing for next year despite the lack of willing sponsors, particularly in Japan.
“Of course a sponsor could help for next year, but at the moment I have no sponsors to be here,” he said. “It’s very strange to need to find a sponsor to drive for another team or here [at Sauber].
“Drivers should be thinking about the car and what to do with the car as that’s their job, but now it’s complicated by a lot of sponsoring and what they can bring. That is the way a driver has to be. I will try to stay in Formula One next year and show for the rest of the season what I can do in Formula One.”
“If a Japanese manufacturer came back in to the sport that would be a great thing, but if a Japanese car manufacturer is not in Formula One it’s difficult. Car manufacturers are some of the biggest companies, so when Toyota was in F1 Panasonic was supporting them but then they left with Toyota.”
When asked how he would feel if he lost his seat and couldn’t fine an alternative, he replied: “This is destiny, no? If it happens like that we have to say ‘this is Formula One’.”
