Kubica to miss out on Williams seat, Markelov and Ericsson favourties

Kubica to miss out on Williams seat as he does not have the required financial backing to support Williams.

Lance Stroll’s imminent move to Force India has created a vacancy at Williams, one that could have multiple suitors.

Williams’ reserve driver Robert Kubica seems like the obvious short term replacement, but according to a report in Motorsport.com, Kubica is going to miss out on the Williams seat as he does not have the required sponsorship to secure that Williams seat.

With Lance Stroll moving out and with it a massive chunk of money( $ 30 to $ 40 million) set to leave as well, Williams need to balance out driving skill and commercial value while selecting the next driver.

Markelov, who currently drives in F2 is seen as the likely candidate to take that Williams seat, largely because of the financial backing that he brings with him.

“You’ll find out what will happen by the end of the year, yet I can not say 100% confidence, but hopefully we will have a chance to pass the Formula 1 car next year.

“I hope that Williams will evaluate me and give me a chance, and we’ll see what happens.” Markelov said in an interview with Motorsport.com.

He has also admitted that he won’t be competing in F2 anymore as he has had enough.

“No, I will not compete any more. That’s enough.” he said.

The Motorsport.com sources also claim that Ericsson could find himself in that Williams seat next year, again largely because of the financial backing that he brings along with him. The upside with Ericsson is that he has had a good enough season this time round and hence Williams wouldn’t be compromising too much on skill.

However, this news would come as a huge jolt to Kubica and general F1 fans, seeing finances determine driver seats.