Lack of money stopped F1 career - Bird

Former Mercedes tester Sam Bird says only a lack of sponsorship prevented him from making his mark in formula one.

Between 2010 and 2014, the now 29-year-old Briton worked for the German giant alongside Michael Schumacher, Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg.

He says his hero was Schumacher.

"He is the greatest I ever saw and I was lucky enough to work with him," Bird told the Argentine sports daily Ole.

He was speaking in Buenos Aires, where he won the latest Formula E race — his third victory in the category.

As for why his F1 dream didn’t work out, Bird answered: "Why? Very simple: I didn’t have a cheque for 20 million euros. Instead, I am paid to be in Formula E."