Getting drivers into Formula 1 could get harder

The sale of Minardi will affect the way new drivers get into F1. The small team has been a reliable route for young "paying drivers" to get much needed experience and exposure. Of course, some paying drivers have access to money but no talent, but many talented drivers have convinced sponsors to invest in their future by paying for a season with Minardi. Current notable Minardi alumni include Mark Webber, Jarno Trulli, Giancarlo Fisichella, and Fernando Alonso.
If Red Bull buys Minardi, it will provide more opportunities for its own junior drivers, but it will close off one of the few avenues for independent young drivers.

What F1 desperately needs is more teams. The $45million "entry fee" required of a new team under the current Concorde agreement has made it more attractive for new owners to buy an existing team. Its promised elimination should help stimulate a larger F1 grid in future. Let's hope!