Rubens Barrichello has won the battle – if there was one – to retain a seat at Williams next year.
Just a week after getting pole in Brazil, Nico Hulkenberg is leaving the team. The second driver had not been announced but the world will not be surprised if it’s Pastor Maldonado, who tests for the team on Wednesday.
Frank Williams said: “First, I would like to thank Nico for his hard work this year, and before that in preparing himself for Formula One. We are very proud to have supported him as he secured the Formula 3 and GP2 titles and during his debut in Formula One. At Williams we have for many years tried to bring new talent into the sport, and we are convinced that Nico will go on to great things. We wish him well and hope that our paths will cross again in the future.
“We recruited Rubens to Williams knowing that he would bring technical expertise, experience and passion. He has delivered everything we could have hoped for this season and we are delighted to confirm that he will drive for us again in 2011.”
Adam Cooper F1 
Money talks and talent walks… It’s not like the old days at Williams, they used to be all about talent and this boys got loads. I reckon they’re gonna regret this! Expect to see Hulkenberg in a Renault or Sauber next year, Willi Weber knows and will make sure.
I agree about Williams. It’s a shame that they’re in this position. I hope their fortunes improve soon.
I’d like to see the Hulk in a competitive team, however I think that Sauber have finalised their lineup and Renault need both Petrov (due to their increasing reliance on Russian financial support) and Kubica for his obvious ability. I can’t see Kubica wanting to leave Renault until he can get at least equal number one status at either Ferrari, Mercedes, Red Bull or McLaren and they’re all tied up for 2011.
I think it’s a smart move by Williams. Nico is looking to bail on any team that can’t win ASAP. May as well kick him to the curb before you invest too much time and $$$ into him, for the benefit of some other team. Williams isn’t going to win anything within the next couple years, so you may as well get your house in order, and Pastor’s sponsorship $$$ will help in that department. And it’s not like he’s a total dog of a driver…
Is there any chance this is just a bluff by his management to try and get Williams to come ‘crawling’ back? Where else could Hulkenberg end up on the grid next season? I also heard a wild rumour Williams wanted to place him at HRT in 2011 as they are moving into a position to be their ‘B’ team with the gearbox deal?
Prediction – There’s the Scuderia’s new reserve driver.
You heard it here first!