Williams F1 team could make driver change soon?
May 4 - Williams could soon make a key race driver change, according to former F1 race winner Ralf Schumacher.
The German says it's obvious that Williams is not happy with Nicholas Latifi, despite the financial backing the struggling Canadian driver brings.
"The Williams investors want two strong drivers in the car," Schumacher told Sky Deutschland. "(Alex) Albon is doing a great job and the difference to Latifi is very, very big."
Schumacher says 26-year-old Latifi is only attracting attention at present "due to his accidents".
He therefore thinks a rumoured driver change could actually happen sooner rather than later.
"There are a lot of exciting things happening in Formula 1 right now and one of them could be a driver change this year.
"(Oscar) Piastri would be a perfect choice," said the 46-year-old former Williams driver. "If he doesn't deserve it, who does?"
Reserve driver and Australian Piastri, 21, is managed by Mark Webber and under firm contract to Alpine, but the Renault-owned team has indicated it is prepared to loan him to another outfit.
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Let's not ignore one big factor....contracts. Dorilton doesn't need the $$$ exposure, and there is not a driver alive that could make the current car competitive. End of year change much more likely.
But his dad does pays 30m $$ alledgedly per yr to Williams making an even stronger case that theyll stay with line up umtill the car better
Hard to pass up cash. Look at Stroller and Mazspin.
Things have changed at Williams since Dorilton came, so Latifi's continuation isn't safe in all scenarios.
Just give Piastri a drive and see what happens, I've a feeling he'll impress. Latifi is just a waste of petrol now
Fully contracted would effectively be a must since Williams is an entirely independent team.
However, I can see him replacing Latifi as a viable option, but probably for next season rather than during this season.
The question from Ralf Schumacher of "Piastri would be a perfect choice," said the 46-year-old former Williams driver. "If he doesn't deserve it, who does?" My answer is there are several: Colton Herta, Pato O'Ward, Alex Palou. All Indy stalwarts! Not to mention Oscar Piastri and, perhaps, Nico Hulkenburg. I would suggest the pool is large!!
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