Williams - not money - to 'solely decide' 2022 line-up

Williams Racing says it is now in a position financially where it can "solely decide" on its 2022 line-up and no longer needs to rely on pay drivers.

Changes are expected next year at the Grove-based outfit in the wake of George Russell's anticipated departure and move to Mercedes.

Williams chief executive Jost Capito recently stated that he had compiled "quite a long list" of potential candidates to fill either one or both of the team's seats.

It's currently unclear whether incumbent Nicholas Latifi, who brings sponsorship to the team through Sofina, his father's Canadian-based food company, will be retained or not.

F1 super-sub Nico Hulkenberg has been mentioned as a prospect for the British outfit, while Mercedes - Williams' engine partner - is rumored to be pushing the candidacy of its Formula E works charger Nyck de Vries.

But regardless of who may figure on Williams' list for 2022, the team's much improved financial health under the new ownership of Dorilton Capital will enable Capito to select its drivers based on talent rather than funding.

"I think we at Williams, we are in the position that we solely decide on the drivers," said the German. "We are not dependent like in the past on somebody, a driver who brings money.

"We have a long-term plan to get back to the top, and we have to choose the drivers that fit into that plan.

"We are just thinking about this. Of course, everybody can talk to us, but the decision is with us."

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With very few seats available in F1 for 2022, Capito believes that Williams currently represents an attractive proposition for drivers seeking to join the fray or remain on the grid.

"I think every driver who hasn’t got a fixed seat for next year, or has an option for next year, is talking to us at the moment," Capito said.

"It is the most aspired seat in Formula 1 right now for a team that has to fill a seat."

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