wizard993 said:
"I would fully expect that it will go to either someone who has previously finished in the top 3 of the F1 title race or someone with a mind-bogglingly large bucket of cash. "
Not really a driver criteria you could aim at Sir Frank Wiliams.....who prefers talent and grit over tenners and garbage.
Pastor Maldonado begs to differ, his F1 career having gone the way of Venezuela's economy (it's state oil company having been his primary backer). Even though he actually won a race for Williams in his time there I don't think that you will find too many people who reckon that he would have secured and retained the seat for so long without PDVSA...
wizard993 said:
Daddy's money does not make you a top driver talent.
Indeed, but my point was that there are drivers out there with money and talent and in the modern world of F1 : money matters. That is how PDR lost his drive to Perez in the first place.
Over the last year Williams have just returned to profit (albeit only £200k) after losing over £30m the year before. Balancing the books is crucial and there probably is thus an amount of money that would secure the drive for anyone suitably qualified who was considered talented enough to deliver consistent enough points finishes. If Williams were to fall back down the order, the reduction in prize money would instantly unbalance those books again. A proven F1 driver who consistently and reliably delivers points finishes is a must and Di Resta's stats from his last stint in F1 don't really describe that level of consistency. I don't see him able to secure that seat without financial backing. If he had someone putting £20m behind him then sure, but not on his demonstrated abilities alone.
Personally though I expect their next driver to be someone who currently has a race seat with another team, probably McLaren (who are known to want to open a seat for Vandoorne for next year). The Button speculation is credible - he is a former champion, PR & sponsor gold, still quick but equally a reliable pair of hands to get the car home in the points (as long as it doesn't break down of course).
IMHO Di Resta would have stood more chance of getting back into F1 if he had gone to Indycar or WEC. I reckon that by going back to DTM he blew it - time will tell whether I am wrong or right in that though.
I know that you are a huge PDR fan, but if you seriously think that he will get back into F1 (particularly in a podium capable car) I fear that you may be in a small minority. I'd love for you to be right and for him to return, but I simply cannot see it. :nooo: