Sergey Sirotkin, 17, lined up for Sauber Formula 1 drive

Russian teenager Sergey Sirotkin has joined Sauber with a view to him racing for the team next year.

The deal for the 17-year-old to be fast-tracked into F1 is part of an investment in Sauber by a group of Russian companies.

A statement from the Swiss team said they would set up a development programme for Sirotkin "to prepare him as racing driver for the team in 2014".

A spokesman added: "The goal would be to have him in our car next year."

What are your thoughts on Sauber trying to get this 17 year old racing for them? For me I think it's mostly about sponsorship money and he's very young, still classed as a master in the UK and has the potential to grow.

Well that's probably secured Sauber's immediate financial future. Hulk might actually get paid now!

But wouldn't that mean they'll have to get rid of Hülkenberg because they'll want Gutierrez's sponsorship money too.

Unfortunately money talks in formula 1. Anyone prepared to throw a swag bag of cash at a team can crowbar in a driver who may/may not really belong in the sport. Look at Maldonado, he would never still be in the sport if he wasn't backed by apparently the entirety of Venezuela.

if i ever win the lottery im going to straight to caterham!

Bit silly if you ask me. Sadly F1 has gone into this direction which is understandable in a way due to the current state of the economy. Seeming as he is only 17, does he even hold a driving licence?

17 is too young I think.

Robin Frijns should be given a seat next year based on talent, but nowadays all about the money isn't it..

Isn't it illegal to drive unless your over 18? would mean he couldn't race in certain GP's.

In terms of driving on public roads you can drive at the age of 17 in all countries in Europe as far as I'm aware of. In terms of the US and Canada I'm not too sure on that one.

However, he would have a FIA race licence which would enable him to take part in all of the GP's across the world as far as I'm aware.
It certainly gives us all a lot of hope to be in F1 one day lol