Hülkenberg says he does not believe anymore in a Lotus drive for 2014

I wouldn't call it "buying a seat" in some case, but bringing a personal sponsor, which is different.

Some drivers look for sponsors themselves at the beginning of their careers, and nurture them for the future. They create a relation with a sponsor, do public appearances for it, etc...

Also, why is it that some companies prefer to sponsor a driver during his career, rather than offer the money directly to teams?

 

Most fans associate more strongly with a personality than with a team or any abstract entity.
Individuals are easier to maintain a relationship with over time than corporate entities whose direction might change unpredictably.

 

But people say, unfairly in my opinion, about drivers who bring a personal sponsor that they "buy a drive". No, they only bring a sponsor!

Massa now call them "prostitutes" because he can join William without bringing any money.
Some drivers have said in the past that they wouldn't be looking for sponsors, relying on talent alone.

Some companies prefer to put their money on a national driver, rather than on a team that will recruit anyone. Case of several Brazilians or French sponsors and ... Venezuelian.

 

Semantics and sour grapes.

The sport we love is an expensive mistress. You want to play you've got to pay. One way or another.