Current Sauber driver Marcus Ericsson feels it would be “stupid” not to consider joining a strong midfield team such as Force India starting next year.
Even though Ericsson suggested he was likely to stay with Sauber earlier this month, Nico Hulkenberg’s recent departure from Force India has opened a door that could light a fire underneath the midfield driver market.
“It does open up another possibility with Force India. It’s a good seat,” said Ericsson in an interview with Autosport. “I still think it’s most likely I’ll stay with Sauber, but like I’ve said, I want to be in the best team possible, and Force India seem to be really strong at the moment.”
He goes on to add that “it’s a great midfield car, and that’s what I need for next year. We are looking at it. It would be stupid not to because we haven’t signed a contract for next year, and now with the Force India seat opened up, we need to see what possibilities are there.”
Sauber team principal Monisha Kaltenborn knows that both her drivers, Ericsson and Felipe Nasr might be looking at different opportunities outside the team, but understands that it is “absolutely fair that everyone evaluates their options.”
If Ericsson does indeed sign with Force India, it would be a major upgrade going from a team that has yet to score any points this year, to one that trails only Mercedes, Red Bull and Ferrari in the Constructor Standings, and is currently 8 points clear of rivals Williams.
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