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Force India F1 team exits administration, under consortium of investors led by Lawrence Stroll
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- Title
- Force India set to exit administration
- Published
- Aug 7 2018
- Word count
- 446 words
So, considering this news likely means Lance Stroll in a Force India next year (or possibly even earlier if the world goes completely crazy), and the recent Ricciardo switch to Renault, what does everyone think the likely team line-ups are?
Could we assume the following:
Renault
Force (insert India or GP)
Where does Sainz go? Doesn't he have a bad relationship with Max? What of Ocon? What of the Williams seat - Does Kubica make the wonder comeback?
Talent like Sainz and Ocon floating around makes me a little worried for Stoffel, as well. I think he deserves a better shot in F1 than he's gotten so far, but if Alonso decides to stick around and if McLaren decides to give Lando Norris a shot, I don't know what team would realistically take Stoffel when they could have Ocon and a presumably-generous check from Mercedes.
Sainz looking very likely to go to McLaren - Gasly will partner Max.
So does that leave us with:
Red Bull
Renault
McLaren
Force
Williams
Toro Rosso
?
Toro Rosso: Hartley, Norris
Sauber: Ericcson, Grosjean
Haas: Magnussen, Leclerc
All seem most likely to me. This does leave George Russell as a big unanswered question.
I've always liked Force India and am happy to see them remain in the sport, but I can't say I'll be too enthusiastic about cheering on Lance Stroll if the inevitable happens and he dons a pink firesuit. Still though - I'll take a slow Canadian over terminal administration any day of the week.
I'm not a big fan of the way the Strolls do things either, but a make-or-break drive for Lance might be a good thing for everyone, as well. That said, it's a little unnerving to have the team be a sort of pet project... granted, it depends how the new investors are organized, but I'd hate to see FI return right to instability if, say, Lance decides to go off and start his DJ career and Lawrence loses interest.
Evidently the rumors were true! Say what one might about the Strolls, but it's great that there won't be layoffs (that they will yet discuss, at least). Hopefully the stability and release of funds has a direct positive effect on their 2019 car, as well.
I guess if the subsequent rumors are true, Ocon will be looking for a new seat?
I imagine Mercedes will fight quite hard to keep Ocon in the sport, even if that means putting him in a Grove car.