Force India deputy director, Otmar Szafnauer, says that both drivers Sergio Perez and Esteban-Ocon, should still be part of the team in 2018.
Speaking to media, Szafnauer said that discussions are still underway with Sergio Perez, but a final decision should be made for the Belgian Grand Prix.
“We have not yet signed with Sergio Perez, but we are not far from an agreement.” Szafnauer said. “I think we will be set to the new deal, the biggest probability is that we weill stick to our two drivers, but I cannot say 100% because both drivers have not signed anything yet.” he addded.
Szafnauer also confirms that Force India has also considered a plan B in case one of the two regular drivers refuse to stay on the team next year. Several solutions are envisaged, including the candidacy of Mercedes’ Pascal Wehrlin.
“We’ve always made sure we have a plan B, so if some reason we don’t sign Sergio, but I think it will be good, then we’ll have elsewhere, including Wehrlein.,” Szafnauer said.
Szafnauer added Force India can strengthen their position as the fourht best team on the standings event Formula One bosses reduce costs.
“If we start looking at capping either costs or through relugation, or making it a little bit more even I think we’re nicely placed,” Szafnauer said.
On the other hand, a businessman Lawrence Stroll to consider buying Force India. According to report, Stroll is a seriuos candidate for the acquisition of Force India, whose coproversaries Vijay Mallya and Subrata Roy are facing charges of financial crimes.
Stroll is currently a shareholder in Williams, from which his son Lance is a F1 driver. But Williams’ lack of competitiveness this season could prompt him to look to Force India.
Lawrence Stroll (right) interests in Force India. (Source:www.grandprix247.com)
Force India is currently at fourth in the F1 table standings so far, the team based in Silverstone dominated their biggest rival, Williams, who is fifth with 60 points behind.
Ferrari’s Sebastian Vettel is currently leading the table standings with 202 points, 14 points ahead of his main rival Lewis Hamilton.
Stroll’s son Lance Stroll, is in his first Formula 1 season driving a Williams after joining the British team as a development driver in 2016. He managed his first career podium finishing third in the Azerbaijan GP at the end of June.
