F1 Driver Ages are trending older.

The fateful flaw of F1 is the limited number of seats available on the grid. These seats are highly sought after and competitive. The drivers who prove they can help a team progress stay in the sport for as long as possible. F1 is famous for seeking after young talent; F1 teams continually look for the next greatest drivers from the karting and junior formula series. In the past, as drivers approached thirty and early thirties, most drivers considered that the time to retire. Now, the ages of the drivers are trending older because many teams are seeing the value in more refined and experienced drivers. With athletic performance and lifestyle changes, drivers can now race into their 40s, extending the viable years for these drivers to keep their spots on the grid.

The current 2024 F1 Grid has an average age of 29.2, and it is locked into only getting older for at least the next 3-4 years; the average age will crest over 30 within the next season. With nearly half the grid over thirty years old and over 80% of the grid being 25 and higher, what does this mean for many super young drivers trying to find their way onto the F1 grid?

2024 F1 Drivers Ages (as of June 2024)

It is such a significant jump in demand when a driver goes from, let's say, F2 to the F1 stage; it is such a large jump that many drivers can't acclimate to the scale and ultimately get replaced. This may be one of the most critical topics surrounding drivers and spoken about the least. With the insane demand for output, you must excel in all aspects of life, not just driving. With a long list of obligations, becoming a long-term F1 is way more than just being a great driver: The longest seasons in f1 history, constant worldwide travel, the physical demands from the demanding cars, the media, the press, the brand deals, the obligations; and, oh yes, driving the most technologically advanced race cars faster than anyone else on the planet.

Experience and skill are highly valued in F1. As drivers mature, they accumulate a wealth of experience, which enhances their racecraft and strategic thinking. Teams highly prize this quality, as experienced drivers can offer valuable insights into car development and race strategy. The decision to retain seasoned drivers is often a strategic one, as it helps maintain stability and continuity within the team. Familiarity with the team, car, and operations can lead to more reliable performance.

Three of the top five teams (60%) in the Constructors Championship have driver pairing average ages over thirty years old. Haas chose an older driving pairing in 2023 and has seen one of the largest jumps in constructors points between the 23’ and ‘24 seasons. The Outlier to this is McLaren, the youngest average age on the grid. When you look deeper at McLaren, you see two exceptionally talented drivers in Lando and Oscar; both won championships in F3 and F2, spent a year as a reserve driver, and then made their way into F1, so even though they are young, they both have a proven record and good experience. This should benefit McLaren if they can keep this driver pairing together, truly being the exception to the rule.

2024 F1 Team Pairing Age Averages (by constructors points through Round 8)

Drivers are brands: it takes time to build valuable brands. Older, more experienced drivers often have established fan bases and greater marketability. Teams can reap significant commercial rewards from the presence of a well-known and respected driver, enhancing their financial standing.

Fitness and Health: Advances in sports science, nutrition, and training methods empower drivers to maintain peak physical condition for longer. This means that older drivers can remain competitive and stay physically capable of handling the rigorous demands of F1 racing.

Ultimately, F1 is a business, and teams need big budgets to operate. A larger fanbase and more sponsors can significantly boost a driver's value to these teams. Older drivers have had more time to build a following, which can change the sport's economics. Having older drivers is good for F1 because they can better handle the intense pressure and stress of being on the grid. This experience can lead to a healthier and more stable environment for drivers and teams.