Where Did They Come From, Where Did They Go: Analysis of Formula 1 Driver Career Paths

This study examines the career trajectories of Formula 1 drivers, focusing on their pathways through junior series, F1 careers, and post-F1 activities. Data was collected from multiple sources and analysed in RStudio to identify trends in feeder series participation, career duration, and post-F1 race involvement. The results reveal a significant lengthening of driver careers across all phases, with increasingly structured pre-F1 development pathways, longer F1 tenures, and diverse post-F1 career trajectories driven by engagement in endurance racing, geographic influences, and evolving motorsport opportunities. Notably, while pre-F1 feeder series have become more standardised, post-F1 career paths remain highly varied, reflecting the interplay between individual strategy and the expanding global motorsport ecosystem. Future improvements could involve integrating performance metrics, team data, and qualitative insights, while the analysis can be utilized by teams, sponsors, and organizers to refine talent development, optimise partnerships, and promote sustainable career opportunities in motorsport.Keywords: Formula 1, Career Progression, Motorsport, Talent Pathways, Driver Development