Column 2017 September 25

There will be less cockpits available for next season in F1. With the arrival of Carlos Sainz at Renault, they closing their drivers line up. But there is still a cockpit that will generate the interest of many drivers. We are talking about the available seat in the Williams team, a position to be a teammate of Lance Stroll. This place is currently occupied by Felipe Massa. The Brazilian driver came to Williams this year when Valtteri Bottas took the place of Nico Rosberg. Massa, who has decided to retire, returned when Williams was left with a free seat and although he has not had a bad season his retirement is not clear. This season he made thirty-one points, three more than his teammate. The problem of the Brazilian pilot would be the age, since he is already thirty-six years old. That’s the reason why the Williams team comes up with other options. Among them would be the reserve driver Paul Di Resta, who competed at the Hungarian Grand Prix this year with Williams and was an official driver of Force India team. The other option would be Robert Kubica.

But the Polish driver would have to pass the test that will take place in the coming weeks, in which he will have to drive a car of 2014. A test similar to the one he did with the Renault team, although finally the position has been given to the Spanish driver.

While at McLaren new goals have arrived for the next season. After their new alliance with the Renault, the Woking team aims to occupy third place in the constructors’ championship. After three years of poor results they hope to be just behind Mercedes and Ferrari. They also intend to be able to fight for podium finishes and for some wins, as the Red Bull team has done this year. Still missing to be announce is the position of Fernando Alonso. According to Eric Boullier only a few details remain to finalize the renewal of the Spanish pilot’s contract. Some rumors suggest that one of the reasons for Alonso to stay at McLaren next season would be allowing him to participate in the legendary Le Mans race.