Oscar Piastri and Sergio Perez address hidden F1 issue

Oscar Piastri and Sergio Perez have highlighted the significant barriers to entry non-European drivers face in reaching Formula 1.

Both the McLaren and the Cadillac driver stressed that reaching the championship, rather than attaining success within it, presented the greatest challenge in their view.

The pair were asked about the difficulties for drivers from outside Europe, with Canadian Jacques Villeneuve the last non-European to win the world championship in 1997.

Of the 22 drivers currently on the F1 grid, just seven hail from outside Europe. That is just under a third of the 2026 field, underlining the challenges for those born on other continents.

"Well, I think the lead-up to Formula 1 is definitely easier for a European driver because they're based in Europe," Perez told media, including RacingNews365.

"Being out of Europe, you are the one that has to come in here at a very young age, and there are other issues involved in that."

Success depends on timing

The Cadillac driver, who moved to Europe as a teenager to pursue his racing career, believes opportunities equalise once drivers reach F1.

"And then once you reach Formula 1, I feel like everyone has the same opportunities. And as you know, in Formula 1, it depends so much on how it goes and the moment that you are in your career with your team; if you are at the right place, at the right time, then you will be very successful," Perez added.

"I think, to me, we've had very successful drivers not being Europeans in the sport, so I think the main difference will be the lead-up to Formula 1."

McLaren's Piastri, who relocated from Australia to Europe during his junior career, echoed Perez's assessment.

"Yeah, the same things," the nine-time grand prix winner said. "The lead-up to F1, moving to Europe as a kid, that's probably the biggest challenge."

The 25-year-old, who came close to clinching his first F1 drivers' championship last year, acknowledged that once on the grid, non-European drivers can benefit from unique circumstances, particularly in terms of marketability and national representation.

"I think once you're here, then in some ways you have some unique things, me and Checo [Sergio Perez], for example, being the only ones from our country on the grid. There are obviously positives that come from that," Piastri explained.

"But definitely the lead-up into F1 is a little bit more challenging. There are a few more tough decisions to make. But once you're there, it's the same challenge for everyone of being in the right place at the right time and trying to show you're the best."