The Brazilian GP seems to be the occasions for many drivers to clear things out about their 2017 season. Indeed, Esteban Ocon, Jolyon Palmer and Esteban Gutierrez all made announcements prior to the event.
As we announced last week, Esteban Ocon will make the move from Manor to Force India in 2017. Ocon set a multi-year deal with the India squad and reinforces his momentum to Pascal Wehrlein in the Mercedes young drivers programm. The Frenchman comments:
“I’m very excited to join Sahara Force India. I know the team quite well already because I was a test driver last year and I’m really looking forward to working with everybody at Silverstone once again.”
With Ocon leaving to Force India, the battle for the second Renault seat was between the two current drivers: Jolyon Palmer and Kevin Magnussen. The Danish driver announced that he would not be racing with Renault in 2017, therefore, Jolyon Palmer had been chosen to fil the second Renault seat despite disappointing results compared to Magnussen’s.
“I’m over the moon to be racing with Renault Sport Formula One Team for a second season and I can’t wait to reward the team’s faith in me on track.”
This prolongation shuts the door to two GP2 drivers eyeing the seat. First Sergey Sirotkin, who will do the FP1 with Renault at Interlagos and who had an inconstant second campaign in GP2 series, standings fourth in the championship. Pierre Gasly also could have hoped for a seat in the French squad but the Prema driver and GP2 championship contender’s chances to be in F1 in 2017 are now extremely thin.
As he was rumoured to leave his team, Esteban Gutierrez announced on social media that he would not race with Haas F1 team in 2017. His disappointing results prevented him to stay for a second season within the American squad.
“I want to thank all the team and stall, specially Gene Haas. Thank you for this opportunity to work with them. I wish them all the best. There are two races left, which I intend to enjoy to the fullest and, as always, I’ll give my best.”
Despite not having been confirmed yet, Kevin Magnussen is close to make a deal with Haas F1 team to partner Romain Grosjean in 2017. Sauber and Manor are now the two teams yet to have announced their line-ups but Manor dropped a hint on Twitter that they already have their line-up settled for 2017.
