What does a pay driver do?

A Pay Driver is typically a professional or semi-professional race car driver who pays a racing team, either through personal funds or sponsorships, for the opportunity to compete in motorsport events. Unlike drivers who are hired and paid by teams based on talent alone, Pay Drivers contribute financially to secure their racing seat. This arrangement is common in various forms of motorsport, especially in junior and developmental series, and helps teams cover operational costs. While sometimes controversial, Pay Drivers can bring valuable sponsorships and financial stability to teams.