It has been rumored for a while that Felipe Nasr will be going to Williams in 2016. In the past few weeks, this seemed even more possible, as the rumors of Valtteri Bottas joining Ferrari next season increased, leaving Williams with an empty seat. Nasr would is a talented driver with lots of potential, but it would appear that the Williams seat is not going to be his – in 2016 at least – as he signs a contract for another season on Sauber.
“It is great to be driving another season for the Sauber F1 Team. The extension to the contract with the Sauber F1 Team is an important step in my career,” Nasr told the press. Sauber had quite a successful first half of the season, following a points drought from last season. The team was able to refresh from 2014, running an amazing car, a new livery and a new driver lineup. The team’s fears of having another season without points were ended after just the first race. “Finishing fifth at my first ever Formula One race in Melbourne in the Australian Grand Prix is so far my career highlight.”
The team has been working hard to prepare the rookie for a great racing career, pairing him with Marcus Ericsson who drove for Caterham in 2014. “During the first half of the season, in what is my rookie year, I was able to gain a lot of experience from a driving perspective as well as on the personal side.” Nasr remains optimistic for the remainder of the season: “Now I am looking forward to the second half of the season. My objective is to support the team as best I can, and also with regard to the development of the new car.”
Nasr isn’t the only driver to have secured a 2016 seat with Sauber: Ericsson has also signed an extension with the Swiss team. “I’m very happy that the Sauber F1 Team has put its trust in my potential for another year,” he told the press. “I am getting to know everyone within the team more and more, and feel I am being appreciated as a valuable driver. I feel honoured to be part of the Sauber Motorsport family, and I will continue to do my very best to succeed.”
Monisha Kaltenborn, the Sauber team principal, is happy to have both drivers in 2016 and feels confident that they have strong careers ahead of them: “We are pleased about the extension of the contracts with Marcus and Felipe. This early point in time shows that the drivers and the team are sure they are heading in the right direction. We have full confidence in the talents and skills of Marcus and Felipe. Both have shown solid performances, gained experience and learnt quickly. We enjoy having them in the team and they give it a positive boost.”
Both Nasr and Ericsson are great assets to the team. Such a great performance in 2015 has surely boosted the team’s morale after their disappointing performance in 2014. This contract renewable is also helpful in the financial department, as it means that the team’s partnership with Banco do Brasil will remain intact.
