Kubica in for Hartley?

[Alianora La Canta]

I seriously doubt Williams would let Robert go, given that there's some risk that he may be needed to race one of its own cars mid-season...

Is there any chance that Kubica would sign a contract that doesn't allow him to go to another F1 team should the opportunity arise?

Even if such a clause was in the contract (not guaranteed), it would inevitably be contingent on the boss authorising its activation at the relevant moment. The boss is not likely to authorise it if Robert's services are likely to be needed in the team with which the contract stands. If it was, say, Haas or McLaren, Robert would probably have been allowed to do it because neither team is in imminent need of a sub. But from the way Williams staff are talking, there's a good chance either Stroll or Sirotkin will be out on their ear after the summer break if things don't improve.

The CRB (Contracts Recognitions Bureau) exists to prevent contracts from simply being ignored - contracts have to be ended for a legally-valid reason before the CRB would allow a Superlicence to be attached to the new one.

[John S]

But from the way Williams staff are talking, there's a good chance either Stroll or Sirotkin will be out on their ear after the summer break if things don't improve.

Do you really think that's likely Alia? After all both drivers have brought big funds with them to the team.

I'd suggest it's more likely one of the drivers could exit due to frustration from their backers, who would most likely seek to remove their funding and try to place their man at another team for next year.

[Alianora La Canta]

But from the way Williams staff are talking, there's a good chance either Stroll or Sirotkin will be out on their ear after the summer break if things don't improve.

Do you really think that's likely Alia? After all both drivers have brought big funds with them to the team.

I'd suggest it's more likely one of the drivers could exit due to frustration from their backers, who would most likely seek to remove their funding and try to place their man at another team for next year.

I didn't think it was until I saw the post-Spain comments from various Williams staffers. Including one from its chief designer that basically said "we need to see substantial improvement when the upgrades for Germany come in."

Now, Germany is not the only upgrade Williams has coming. However, it is the most significant, and it is reaching the point where Williams will be stone-last if it doesn't improve significantly. There is no way the sponsor deals it has are set up for such a scenario. In which case, Williams is in a situation where the "big moneybags drivers" are not sufficient to allow 2019 to be funded - it may need the TV money from not being last as well.

At that point, it may have no choice than to replace a driver with Kubica. Note that Robert has about half of the funding Sirotkin has (which in turn is about 70% of Stroll's), so it's not like he's a freebie driver or anything. And if the performance of the race drivers is this low, it's also possible they may activate a performance clause, meaning Williams doesn't have to refund any monies received for the drivers' services.

[lkjohnson1950]

Just to keep the pot boiling, everyone is aware this is the last year of the Martini contract?

[John S]

To return to the original subject of a replacement for Hartley it seems there is an STR agenda to change pilots mid season.

http://www.f1i.com/news/306172-mclaren-declines-lend-norris-toro-rosso.html

[Alianora La Canta]

Way to make Brendon feel unwelcome...

Clearly, Brendon is about to be out on his ear, one way or another. It's quite sad, really. He may not have pulled up any trees but he's not been that bad either. In a more settled environment, he could have made a meaningful contribution to F1. But Toro Rosso probably never will be a settled environment while it is under Franz Tost's supervision.

[Andy B]

A good qualifying session from him in Canada out qualifying Gasly which he needs to do more of and I hope he has a good run tomorrow and gains some points.

[lkjohnson1950]

From what I've read, Hartley has the upgraded Honda engine and Gasly doesn't.

[Calman]

Clearly, Brendon is about to be out on his ear, one way or another. It's quite sad, really.

Is this option as good as "official" now?? ... the last article I read was simply a swirling rumour.  Well, whatever the case, I hope he has a good outing tomorrow for his own pride.  I think to some degree, certain teams are becoming very 'cut throat' and not giving drivers enough time to bring home the better performances. 

Go on Brendon, bring it home in the top 10!!!

Best Regards,
Cal

[guest3164]

There seems to be increasingly more rumours about Stroll not being retained by Williams, I saw Jennie Gow mention it on the BBC feed on Friday.  I think Kubica may well end 2018 driving the Williams.  Stroll is also a lot more vocal criticising the team than Sirotkin...

[Scott]

Sadly, Hartley had some more bad luck today.   

[Alianora La Canta]

It would be ironic if Brendon's removal from the race is part of the reason Robert cannot leave Williams and therefore part of the reason Brendon will be available to be crashed into in future F1 races.

[John S]

It would be ironic if Brendon's removal from the race is part of the reason Robert cannot leave Williams and therefore part of the reason Brendon will be available to be crashed into in future F1 races.

What's more ironic is STR are now saying they support Brendan. 
 
Wow, a driver puts his car in a stupid place marginally overlapping opponent on outside of corner he can't win on opening lap, gets clobbered and then team who previously tried to replace him come out in support.   
The minute they actually praise him will probably be his last time in the car.     

[cosworth151]

What's more ironic is STR are now saying they support Brendan. 

In F1 speak, that means "don't make hotel reservations for
France."

[Calman]

It's quite funny how this whole circle of "uncertain" futures for certain drivers is panning out!!! ... but let's face it, Stroll has been very vocal on team radio for many races and in Canada, he suddenly appeared Mr Nice with more encouraging quotes than negative ones (before his crash obviously).  Sergey is wisely keeping his mouth closed and trying to make the best of a bad situation ... and while this is all going on with Brandon's likelihood of being dropped sooner, rather than later, Kubica has been 'caught on camera' a LOT in the last 2-3 GPs.   Coincidence or something more sinister???

Best Regards,
Cal