In speculation that could turn the
Formula 1 driver market on its head,
Nico Rosberg has been tipped to replace Heikki Kovalainen – the man he defeated to claim the inaugural GP2 Series crown – at McLaren-Mercedes next year, according to
Michael Schumacher's manager Willi Weber.
There are expected to be a few changes up and down the grid when the 2008 merry-go-round finally stops, but Weber – who currently looks after the career of
Williams test driver Nico Hülkenberg – reckons the most significant will be that at Woking, where Kovalainen has endured a trying season so far.
Despite having displayed Lewis Hamilton-rattling raw speed, the Finn has been plagued by ill-fortune, from his wheel rim failure-induced crash in Barcelona to being tagged off the start-line by countryman
Kimi Raikkonen in Istanbul and receiving a controversial grid penalty in Magny-Cours. Those maladies have seen the 26-year-old notch up just a sole rostrum finish from the opening nine grands prix of the campaign and 24 points to championship-leading team-mate Hamilton's 48 – and Weber argues his days there are already numbered.
“[Rosberg] has a clause in his contract that Williams can surely not fulfil,” the 66-year-old told
Sport Bild, referring to the stipulation in the young German's contract that the Grove-based outfit must finish at least fourth in the 2008 constructors' title chase in order to exercise its option to retain him. “Rosberg will replace
Heikki Kovalainen, who will change back to
Renault.”
Rosberg, for his part, has remained enigmatic on the subject, outwardly professing his loyalty to Williams – which at the moment sits sixth in the standings, nine points shy of its target position – but refusing to confirm whether he will still be there next season, contract or no.
