Williams taking Daniil Kvyat into consideration for 2018
- Published on 30 Oct 2017 10:53
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- By: Rob Veenstra
Williams has confirmed that Daniil Kvyat could be in the running for a 2018 seat. As the candidates continue to line up, it becomes increasingly clearer that team boss Paddy Lowe has essentially decided that Felipe Massa will not stay.
And the Brazilian veteran is increasingly frustrated about that. "I'm totally happy with my pace and my season," he said in Mexico. "So if you keep getting the best out of the car, why stop? Unfortunately it's not my decision," he added.
But what Massa, 36, is pushing for the hardest is a firm answer within the next few days, so that he can race in his native Brazil in a fortnight knowing if it's his farewell or not. Technical boss and Williams co-owner Lowe, however, said of Massa's wish: "I'd rather not comment on that."
He admitted there is some tension between Williams and Massa. "Unfortunately the team-driver relationship is usually tense when it comes to contracts," said Lowe. "But Felipe is a great guy and he has a good and respectful relationship with Williams."
However, he is not hiding that Williams is weighing up its options, including Robert Kubica, Paul di Resta, Pascal Wehrlein and now the Toro Rosso refugee Kvyat. "As I said in Austin, we will look at any driver who has no contract," Lowe is quoted by Russia's Sportbox. "Kvyat is a very respectable driver so he must be considered," he added.
But the frontrunner is actually Kubica, and the latest rumour heard in Mexico is that the Pole could be given a one-off chance to prove himself in Massa's seat in the 2017 finale in Abu Dhabi. "Who said that?" Massa said before leaving Mexico. "I cannot say anything about my future but I'm going to be in Abu Dhabi and proudly all the races that my contract runs for," he insisted. (GMM)
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Replies (9)
Login to replyjuju_hound
Posts: 180
LOL Massa's behaviour is ridiculous lately. Right now Stroll has got more points than him. This is a final straw.
Savio
Posts: 145
Kvyat? He has 5 points like Wehrlein in Sauber... No way
Trelas
Posts: 1,024
Yea I don't see the logic here either. Kvyat has gotten 5 points this season while Sainz has gotten 48 points in the same car...
Though keeping Massa is also not an option in my opinion. Maybe they should try it with a talented young british driver (Like Alex Lynn for instance)?
f1dave
Posts: 782
Kvyat who ?
ajpennypacker
Posts: 2,475
Unfortunately, Kvyat would probably fit the driver profile Williams has been seeking for the last decate. Heavy on sponsorship, light on talent. Massa? I can't believe the way he's outstayed his welcome. He was retiring happily last year. Tears in Brazil and everything. He got called back to save Williams and has done the job. Now he wants to stay again in spite of lackluster performance? Why do that??
Kean
Posts: 692
Kvyat: His performance this year doesn’t really merit a seat. Poor race craft, but his quali-stats against Sainz is not bad. I’d choose him over Massa though.
Massa: No. He had ha great season 2008, but after his accident he was never quite the same driver.
Kubica: exciting choice, and a great comeback story. But can he really perform like a top driver with basically only one arm?
DiResta: a bit boring, but according to one article he was 0.2 sec faster than Kubica in Hungary. Even so, Paddy seems to favor Kubica. Strange, why favor a driver who is slower?
Wehrlein: No. I’d rather go with Kvyat actually. Wehrleins quali stats with Ericsson is 9-7, and Ericsson is driving with a weight disadvantage (which has gone from 10kg to 4kg, because of a new floor). Sure Wehrlein has scored the points, but Wehrlein didn’t score on his own merit, outer circumstances were at play (basically he got lucky).
So basically I’m saying the logical choice out of these drivers is DiResta, the emotional choice is Kubica. Kvyat could go to Force India as a reserve, and maybe get a race seat in 2019 when either Ocon or Perez changes teams.
Savio
Posts: 145
He uses both hands. Igor Rossello said that Kubica's hand was repaired in such a way that he could drive the car without any problems
MADMICK
Posts: 19
Kvyat is an interesting choice but that puts Stroll out. Don't forget, to keep Martini on board Williams need a driver over 25. They also need the millions Stroll brings to the table and he is improving. If he can bring in the cash then DiResta has already shown he is fast straight out of the box and with only a few hours to get prepared. As he already helps develop the car in the Sim I would give him a good chance of scoring points and hence prize money in 2018. Minimise risk Maximise potential, sorry Massa has been a great asset over the years and I really like him but it's now time to move over.
Barron
Posts: 625
Bye bye Felipe. He really shouldn’t try and hang on now - he’s done his bit. This year the tears will be real..