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Force India not ruling out 2018 line-up change

Published on 29 Aug 2017 11:15
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By: Fergal Walsh

Force India is not ruling out changing its 2018 line-up amid recent tensions. Esteban Ocon and Sergio Perez have been involved in a number of altercations this season, with the latest coming at the Belgian Grand Prix where they pair made contact twice.

Not much blame or backlash was felt for the first incident, as they ran three-wide with Nico Hulkenberg on the run to Eau Rouge. However, the second time of asking saw both cars sustain damage. Ocon lost part of his front wing while Perez's right rear tyre became punctured.

"I have been very happy with our overall performance during the 2017 season with both drivers scoring points for the team and racing freely," team owner Vijay Mallya said. "However, as much as I support competitive racing, the repeated incidents between both our cars are now becoming very concerning. Under these circumstances I have no choice but to implement a policy of team orders in the interest of safety and to protect the team’s position in the constructors’ championship."

Renault is reportedly interested in Perez's services for next season, which could see the partnership that was formed in 2014 expire. When asked by Auto Motor und Sport if its line-up for next year would change, Otmar Szafnauer replied: "We'll have to wait. I hope it doesn't come to that. Either we need better drivers, or we have to make sure they get out of each other's way for the rest of the season."

Fergal Walsh

Barron

Posts: 625

The only person that should be hiding their head in shame is you mate, with a post like that. And no, I'm not a "fanboy" of any description. Go back to your COD or wherever else it is you get your manners.

1
Aug 30 2017 - 10:28

F1 News Sergio Perez Esteban Ocon Force India Renault

Replies (10)

NEXT SPARE VAMP

Posts: 1,874
Ocon already has a contract for 2018, isn't it?
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- Aug 29 2017 - 13:38
Mr N71

Posts: 31
Well.... A contract only meaning the driver is occupied with that employer during the lenghth of the contract is valid. A F1-team can have up to 4 drivers contracted but only two at the time can drive at a GP. A driver contract can also be used as a value to trade with other drivers or staff with other teams. A driver contract doesn't mean a roten thing until lights out in Australia. And even under that period during the season it's not sure that you are aloud tio finnish the season if you dont are capable to do your job as a driver. no mater if you are to slow or cant deal with teamwork
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- Aug 29 2017 - 16:26
Alonzo

Posts: 66
That's a very good solution, PER goes to Renault, FI brings in Pascal W. to pair with Ocon, Toto will be very happy.... :) You always want Toto to be happy if you're FI...
Perez, helps Renault develop their car a long side Hulkenberg, someone he worked very well with in the past, Renault has 2 very good experienced drivers and become competitive in a couple of seasons.... win-win-win if you ask me.... I actually think this has a descent chance of happening....
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- Aug 29 2017 - 17:50
- calle.itw
  
  Posts: 8,527
  I'd like that. FI wouldnt though, but FI wouldnt be pleased either way. They are very dependant on Perez' sponsors aswell as Mr. Wolff.
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  Aug 29 2017 - 18:33
- Alonzo
  
  Posts: 66
  PER does not have a contract for 2018, so really nothing FI can do is he goes to another team, the BTW money should make it less painful, I have been hearing that they have been growing their Sponsorship money... But who knows, a few days ago it sounded like they were just working out PER sponsors deals, now the Renault rumors are coming back... So who knows?... Looks like Renault are not giving Kubica the 2018 seat, at least not yet... I'd be surprised & disappointed if they keep Palmer, May be Ocon is going to Renault, he is French....
  + 0
  
  Aug 30 2017 - 01:30
mclarenfan1968

Posts: 1,027
Ocon has utterly destroyed the pile of shit that is Perez, not only that Ocon has slowly but surely gotten under Perez skin. Not many fanboys left for Perez on the Internets. Must be in hiding out of sheer shame.
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- Aug 30 2017 - 04:44
- Barron
  
  Posts: 625
  The only person that should be hiding their head in shame is you mate, with a post like that. And no, I'm not a "fanboy" of any description. Go back to your COD or wherever else it is you get your manners.
  + 1
  
  Aug 30 2017 - 10:28
- ajpennypacker
  
  Posts: 2,475
  You are verifiably incorrect and aggressively ignorant. Perez has been actually the one to comprehensibly beat Ocon on statistics. It's been close on track though.
  The popularity of Perez? Again you're wrong. So wrong. As stupid as Perez was to make that move in Belgium, Ocon made a similar (albeit much less dangerous) in Baku. He also refused to apologise and take responsibility.
  + 0
  
  Aug 30 2017 - 18:48
- mclarenfan1968
  
  Posts: 1,027
  @Barron: Nothing in your post to refute anything about the subject at hand? :D Figures, fanboys with little brains have nothing to more to add I see, the shame is unbearable, Ocon has stomped Perez to a pulp. You can man up and just face the music, it helps. Pro tip.
  + 0
  
  Sep 5 2017 - 10:28
- mclarenfan1968
  
  Posts: 1,027
  @AJPENNYPACKER oh the blinkered Mexican again. Hey if you are going to go on about some fictional event that hasn't happened in the F1 the rest of us watched, let's switch gears and focus on another irrelevant topic. Are you even legal in the USA? Given how Mexicans have a penchant for being illegal aliens and all that or so I hear from the Americans. lol
  + 0
  
  Sep 5 2017 - 10:31