MX23RW : Monday, December 16 03:16:03| >> :600:4563177:4563177:

Force India not ruling out driver change

Force India are not ruling out making a change to their driver lineup for 2018.

Force India are not ruling out making a change to their driver lineup for 2018.

Earlier, although Sergio Perez is yet to commit to the Silverstone-based team beyond this year, Force India bosses seemed more than happy to keep the Mexican alongside Esteban Ocon.

However, tension has been steadily rising between the pair, and it boiled over at Spa with two high speed collisions and Ocon's accusation that Perez 'tried to kill him'.

Force India reacted by imposing standing 'team orders' from now on and warning that race bans are possible for the pair in the eight-race run to the 2017 finale.

Yet a change of driver lineup also now seems possible, particularly with Renault reportedly already putting out the feelers to Perez.

"We'll have to wait," sporting boss Otmar Szafnauer told Auto Motor und Sport. "I hope it doesn't come to that."

However, Perez and Ocon have collided on multiple occasions in 2017, causing Force India chiefs to wonder what they can do to handle the deteriorating situation.

"Either we need better drivers, or we have to make sure they get out of each other's way for the rest of the season," Szafnauer said.

The championship continues on Sunday with the Italian Grand Prix.

ID:305866: cacheID:305866:1false2false3false:QQ:: from db desktop :LenBod:restore:2135:
Written by
GMM F1
Restore Data
Share this article now:
 Force India chairman Vijay Mallya attends a press conference on October 23, 2015
Read Next:
Mallya: 'Perez should only leave for Ferrari'
>
rhs 2.0


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
Argentina's Lionel Messi kisses the World Cup trophy after collecting the Golden Ball award on December 18, 2022Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!