Formula One news

Williams warns McLaren: Rosberg is ours

The Williams Formula 1 team has warned the McLaren team it will not let go of the team's driver Nico Rosberg in order for Rosberg to replace Fernando Alonso at the Woking based team. McLaren is currently searching for a replacement and Rosberg was mentioned by Hamilton as one of the drivers he would prefer to see as a team-mate.

On Saturday Lewis Hamilton admitted there are three drivers who he would love to see join his team. Nico Rosberg, Heikki Kovalainen and Adrian Sutil would be the best choice according to the McLaren driver.

But Williams director Patrick Head is not letting Rosberg go. He told Mail on Sunday: "Nico is contracted to our team for 2008 and we have an option for his services for 2009. We are planning to go into next season with Nico as our lead driver, and we would not entertain any approach from McLaren for Nico.

"McLaren are a team in a position to offer very large salaries, but our aim is to be looking to strengthen Williams."

According to Head McLaren should search for a retire former champion perhaps. "What about McLaren bringing Michael Schumacher out of retirement?" he suggested. "Michael's still fit - and probably bored. I suspect he has found sitting on the pit wall dull."

more news

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• 08 Jan.
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  • De la Rosa still aiming for race seat in F1
  • A dozen parties interested in Honda
  • Mosley not done yet with cost cuttings
• 07 Jan.
  • Ecclestone reveals September deadline for Donington
  • Ferrari willing to supply 'Honda' with engines
  • Brawn says Honda won't test before season
• 06 Jan.
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  • Kubica to start karting team
  • Webber's recovery going well
  • Ferrari to reveal new car next week
  • Stewart hits out at Ecclestone and Mosley
• 05 Jan.
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  • Suspended sentence and fine for Verstappen
  • Berger confirms Buemi for STR
• 04 Jan.
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• 03 Jan.
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• 02 Jan.
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  • "Title loss would have damaged Hamilton's reputation"
• 01 Jan.
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• 31 Dec. '08
  • Kubica: Next year is a big challenge
  • Hakkinen: Vettel will soon be a Formula 1 champion
  • Hamilton receives MBE award
  • Heidfeld expects more accidents in 2009
• 30 Dec. '08
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  • Ecclestone: Button should take a sabbatical
  • Manager: Alonso would love to join Ferrari one day
  • Changes at Toro Rosso
• 29 Dec. '08
  • Hamilton to miss victory parade in Woking
  • Alonso to join Ferrari in 2011?
  • Mexican billionaire denies Honda bid
• 28 Dec. '08
  • Mexican buyer for Honda?
• 27 Dec. '08
  • F1 drivers positive on Algarve circuit

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