F1 - where has all the money gone?

[NaBUru38]

I don't think that things are much different now compared to 20-30 years ago,

One thing has changed. F1 and FOM are far more aggressive in getting sponsors to sponsor either the sport itself or individual races than teams.

That's true. Plus, only a few teams get to the podium (unlike IndyCar, for example). Sponsoring a mid-pack team isn't good business, except for national companies.

Ummmm, an F1 sponsor can go a whole season to see a glimpse of their logo on CNN. The vision that was captured when Alonso gave Webber a lift back to the pits was a rare moment and very rewarding for their sponsors. The camera's followed the pair as they made their way around the circuit. Every news program had it as a major vision for the race. It will be played over and over.

I doubt that a 30-second newspiece is worth the money. By sponsoring an F1 team, viewers associate those companies as major and established. Seeing the same sponsor on a car for years is even better for the company.