1 & 4. We were talking about the number on the nosecose of
the car. Number 1 and 2 go to the current team of the defending
champion, and the rest of the teams are given 3, 4, 5, etc in the
order in which they finished in the previous season's constructors'
championship. Each team has 2 cars
So for 2007, No. 1 and 2 go to McLaren because the world champion
Alonso is moving there next season. Then Renault, who finished
first in this year's championship, take 3 & 4, followed by
Ferrari, Honda, BMW, Toyota, Red Bull, Williams, Toro Rosso, Spyker
and Super Aguri.
If Alonso had stayed at Renault for next season, then Renault take
1 & 2 instead, Ferrari 3 & 4, and Mclaren 5 & 6.
2 & 3. It's not a must for drivers or other team personnel to
leave periodically. As in football, you can sign for any team you
want.
All the teams get a share of the TV and ticket earnings that are
gained over the season in proportion to the position they finish in
the constructors' championship. In addition they get money from
their sponsors, and sometimes, investments as well.
All this goes into team activities like R & D, marketing and
salaries. Now, the richer teams pay their drivers a salary which
the 2 parties agree on. The smaller teams without much funding are,
however, more receptive to drivers who bring sponsors with them.
These guys are known as "pay drivers" and they don't earn more than
an allowance from their sponsors.
