Williams would have voted in favour of Marussia returning as Manor GP with the use of its 2014 car this season, team principal Claire Williams has revealed.
During an F1 Strategy Group meeting last week, Force India voiced its concern about “compliance issues” and the viability of Marussia’s plans. As a result, the Silverstone based team voted against their return, therefore scuppering plans for a comeback.
Williams says it would have happily welcomed Marussia back, even if it meant them using a year old chassis and engine.
“We’ve been very clear on our position around Marussia and their entry,” Williams told Sky Sports News. “We want a full competitive line-up on the grid next year and we will do anything to support Marussia coming back.
“We made it very clear that we would vote for them to be able to use the 2014 chassis this season. Unfortunately it hasn’t happened, but Williams want a competitive line-up on the grid and we want to help the smaller teams.
“I think we’ve demonstrated that and are always pushing cost control in Formula One. That’s to save the smaller teams that are really struggling, the likes of Marussia and Caterham, but also the middle teams as well at the moment that are facing some serious issues.”
