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Manor driver Pascal Wehrlein has defended his former team-mate Rio Haryanto after he was replaced by Esteban Ocon after the German Grand Prix one month ago.
Wehrlein thinks that Haryanto was an underrated driver and had a lot of potential to do well in Formula One. His demotion came after his sponsors where having financial issues and weren't getting the much needed money to Manor.
"Esteban is a great talent and it was nice to be half a second ahead of him."
“Maybe now you will understand that Rio was actually a good driver who was doing a good job. I am convinced that if he had driven here in qualifying he would have been in Q2,” he added.
“I think he was very underrated and so I’m a bit sad because he was a good friend who did a great job,” said Wehrlein.
Grand Prix of Belgium
C. Sainz jr
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Replies (3)
Login to replycalle.itw
Posts: 8,527
He was, I was pretty impressed by Haryanto. Maybe not WC material, but he was definitely worthy of an F1 seat, and it wasnt fair of Manor to blackmail him in that way.
FerrariRules
Posts: 3,063
I think Haryanto surprised a lot of people in a good way.
But Manor did not blackmail him. At the beginning of the season they agreed with his sponsor to a certain amount to be paid per race. When Haryanto's sponsor did not pay anymore Haryanto got to drive another race.
calle.itw
Posts: 8,527
Well, blackmailing was an exaggeration, but it certainly wasnt fair play. Haryanto had already payed a hefty amount, and Manor kept asking for more.