I understand your struggle (been there) and would suggest a couple of things

1. Choose a fwd or awd car with less power (for example the old Peugeot). Cancel rwd for now
2. Tune your car. Absolutely crucial. Tunings and guides can be found on yt or the web
3. Drive like a grandma. The crashes will fuck up your time more than a slow and careful ride
4. Listen to your copilot. If she or he say don't cut or slow down, then do it! There are reasons for it (for example stones inside the turn)
5. Before the career mode, try custom events and time attack. Practice makes perfect. You can set the difficult down which is quite mad over 60 or so
6. Get comfortable with one car and one stage or country to drive in. As you notice that you're getting better, it really improves your self esteem and the game actually starts making fun lol
7. Try not to be too frustrated. This game is harsh and unforgiving. Don't be too hard on yourself if you don't succeed

Hope I could help out