Williams says its much-improved financial position means it is no longer “dependant” on hiring pay drivers for its Formula 1 driver line-up next year.
Following the team’s sale to American firm Dorilton Capital in mid-2020, Williams has benefited from increased investment after years of having to rely on drivers with a strong financial backing.
The Grove-based outfit is currently considering its driver options for 2022, with neither of its current line-up contracted for next season.
George Russell is heavily linked with a move to Mercedes if the German manufacturer decides not to retain Valtteri Bottas, while Nicholas Latifi’s deal expires at the end of the year.
There has been plenty of speculation over who is in the frame for both Williams seats, with team principal Jost Capito saying it has “quite a long list” of drivers under consideration.
But unlike in previous years, Capito revealed Williams’ decision is in its own hands rather than having to worry about money coming in.
“I think we at Williams, we are in the position that we solely decide on the drivers,” Capito said, as quoted by Motorsport.com. “We are not dependent like in the past on somebody, a driver who brings money.
“We have a long-term plan to get back to the top, and we have to choose the drivers that fit into that plan. We are just thinking about this. Of course everybody can talk to us, but the decision is with us.”
Williams finally ended its two-year wait to register a points finish at last weekend’s Hungarian Grand Prix, as Latifi and Russell brought both cars home inside the top eight.
Capito believes the team’s improved form this season has made Williams a more appealing proposition to drivers currently without a drive for next year.
“I think every driver who hasn’t got a fixed seat for next year, or has an option for next year, is talking to us at the moment,” Capito said.
“It is the most aspired seat in Formula 1 right now for a team that has to fill a seat.”
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