Williams drivers - Who steps in for Massa?
Williams analysis. Who steps in for retiring Massa?
Durning the Italian Grand Prix weekend this September Formula one veteran Felipe Massa announced he would no longer continue in F1 following the 2016 season.
Considering his ripe age and absent contract for 2017 many saw it coming.
It's a massive shame to lose the 11 time Grand Prix winner. But without a doubt he has had a memorable career in F1 and hopefully will continue in professional Motorsport after this year.
Of course now the question arises of who will be his successor alongside Valtteri Bottas who although the isn't under contract is likely to be retained by the Grove outfit.
Let's play it down to three likely candidates.
- Lance Stroll.
- Felipe Nasr.
- Paul Di Resta.
The first and most likely candidate is Canadian Lance Stroll. Stroll is a young Canadian who has been chasing his dream to become a F1 driver. The quick, young and enticing F3 title protagonist has been the star of the FIA Formula 3 championship this year. Claiming 10 victories and as I write this could seal the title durning the next round in Imola. Stroll also has significant backing from his billionaire father Lawrence Stroll. With Williams set to lose Felipe Massas Brazilian backing, Stroll with his youth and backing seems to be an ideal choice for the Grove team.
However we must anticipate there are still other options on the table.
The second option is Felipe Nasr.
Nasr has already worked with Williams before he began his F1 career. He was a development driver with the team driving in FP1 sessions. He would announce later in November that he would race for Sauber in 2015. Two years later Felipe has struggled with the C35. He had the upper hand of his team mate the previous year finishing well in some races. However this year with a underdeveloped car he has scored no points.
His time at Sauber has been difficult and I believe he deserves a second chance. In the hope of retaining some Brazillian sponsors coupled with F1 experience would Felipe Nasr step in for his follow country man?.
The final candidate is Paul Di Resta.
Di Resta is an impressive driver but he has been out of action for the last 2 and a half years. This year the Scot has a reserve driver role at Williams. And to his satisfaction is already well linked up with the Grove team. Paul would have a collection of the qualities of Nasr and Stroll. Experience in F1 and a lot of speed. In my view the most unlikely choice but he is certainly possible. I think Paul has unfinished business with F1 and his return would be very good.
In conclusion the most likely and exciting candidates out of all of these is defiantly Stroll.
Stroll is a young thrilling driver and the last time a F3 driver came to F1 he turned out to be a massive hit. I'm sure you know who I'm talking about :) If he seals the title and obtains his super licence it's highly likely we will see this young talent on the F1 grid next season.
Thank you for reading my first article on F1 Correspondent much more to come :)
Charlie.
