Pat Symonds reckons employing Fernando Alonso to drive for Williams would hurt the teams progress which has seen them come from backmarker to frontrunner in a single season.
In 2013 the team finished ninth with just five points. At present, with two races remaining, they sit third with 238 points, 42 ahead of Ferrari.
Williams has been rumoured as a potential destination for Alonso as he seeks to move on from Ferrari, but Symonds rejected the idea, at least for now, claiming he wouldn’t be right for the team at this stage in its recovery.
“Our process of creating a winning team is not yet complete,” he told Auto Motor und Sport. “We have a few areas that we still need to work on.
“For me, Fernando is the best driver in the sport, but he also needs a team around him that can handle him,” explained Symonds who worked closely with the Spaniard during their time at Renault.
“With Alonso’s expectations, the pressure would rise at Williams to an unhealthy level that would disturb the progress the team is making.”
Meanwhile, McLaren – where many expect Alonso next season – have given the two-time champion a deadline for his decision.
Racing director Eric Boullier insists he wants a decision before the final race of the season, otherwise it could be the end of a deal.
Discussion about this post