Williams F1 Team may have just emerged from a disastrous season, but their race seat alongside Pastor Maldonado is the most coveted in the paddock. With no more vacant positions in the top teams, losing parties in the annual musical chairs are all vying to drive for the Grove based squad. They would have loved to have Kimi Raikkonen, but…
Maldonado’s place in the team is secure – with Williams still looking for a title sponsor to replace telecommunications firm AT&T, his Venezuelan oil money backing is invaluable. Big money is harder to come by these days, anyway.
The mini contest to be his teammate is led by Force India reject Adrian Sutil, who faces competition from last season’s Toro Rosso drivers Jaime Alguersuari and Seb Buemi, although the latter is out of the reckoning – he has just been revealed as the test and reserve driver for champions Red Bull Racing. Also in the mix is Bruno Senna, who drove for Lotus Renault GP last season, and HRT man Tonio Liuzzi.
Pestering the team to retain his services is veteran Rubens Barrichello, who is hoping to race in his 20th Formula 1 season. The Brazilian argues that his experience and steady hand is good for the team. “It would be clever of the team to keep the drivers and keep on going. I’m not pushing them, I’m just trying to show them that is the way to do it,” he said.
Reports claim that Rubens’ case may be stronger now that Williams legend and co-founder Patrick Head has departed from the F1 team. Head is said to have grown weary of Barrichello’s criticism of the team’s direction.
Who do you think deserves the seat best?
Danny Tan loves driving as much as he loves a certain herbal meat soup, and sweet engine music as much as drum beats. He has been in the auto industry since 2006, previously filling the pages of two motoring magazines before joining this website. Enjoys detailing the experience more than the technical details.
Ruben should just let it go and go race elsewhere.
Adrian Sutil should be given the seat. That guy is fast when he was driving with Force India. He could fight for the championship if he was given a competive car.
Rubens deserved a seat in 2012 for his 20th anniversary with gold helmet. He is still fast and consistent. without him contribution in 2010 Williams won’t snatch the 6th CC from Force india. He of course cannot lose to his old teammate, Schumi that celebrate 20th anniversary in the sport with Gold platted helmet.
Alex Yoong perhaps???hahahha…Where is Fairuz Fauzy?
The best way to decide is a shootout among the drivers. Let the stop watch decides who deserves the last seat in F1.
rubens barrichello should be the ultimate choice for the williams because he brings in a lot of expertise with him. he had a very good career with Ferrari and he was also the partner with Michael Schumacher.
jaime should get the seat!! adrian can go to hrt, luizzi and rubuens are out and senna can go be a reserve driver somewhere, done.
Rubens should just retire
Heidfeld and Sutil are the best proven F1 pilots available imo.