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Merhi has 'no idea' about future after Spanish GP

Merhi has 'no idea' about future after Spanish GP

  • Published on 28 Apr 2015 08:33
  • comments 0
  • By: Rob Veenstra
Roberto Merhi has confirmed his F1 future is clouded beyond next weekend's Spanish grand prix. The rookie has only been racing for the resurrected Marussia team on the basis that he may be replaced at any time once a suitable 'pay driver' is found.

So Merhi, 24, kicked off his Formula Renault 3.5 season in Spain at the weekend, admitting: "I have no idea of the future beyond the Spanish grand prix. So far I was the race driver, let's see what happens next," he is quoted by El Confidencial.

McGregor-backed Giedo van der Garde's manager has confirmed rumours that "contact" with Manor has taken place recently. In Bahrain, Merhi was also substantially off the pace of his teammate Will Stevens, who is all signed up for the full season, thanks to his millions in backing.

But Merhi suggested there may be "differences" between the two red and white Manor cars. "Yes, there are differences," he confirmed. "The cars are complete, but with some pieces from last year and perhaps mine is lacking something in comparison to the other."

Merhi also admits that some aspects of F1 have surprised him in 2015. "Right now," he said, "it is as though there are four levels of formula one, four championships. There are a lot of differences between the engines, downforce, traction. You spend so much time in the race, and even practice, managing the (functions of the) steering wheel. It's strange -- it's formula one, but then you are driving all the time without pushing the tyres too much."

Merhi said that, in contrast, his Formula Renault 3.5 "is a car that you can attack with more". "Formula one has eight gears and many more horse power," he added, "but the cornering is practically equal, or even less."

The atmosphere in the paddock is also different in F1, Merhi explained: "(F1) people come in, do their job and then go home. "It's not like karting or other categories where everything is much more familiar. Some people treat it (F1) just as a job." (GMM)
F1 News Will Stevens Roberto Merhi Renault Manor Motorsport Marussia

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Date
Grand Prix
Circuit
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Bahrain
29 - Mar 2
Bahrain
Bahrain International Circuit
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Saudi Arabia
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22 - Mar 24
Australia
Albert Park
5 - Apr 7
Japan
Circuit Suzuka
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China
Shanghai International Circuit
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United States of America
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17 - May 19
Italy
Autodromo Enzo e Dino Ferrari
24 - May 26
Monaco
Monte Carlo
7 - Jun 9
Canada
Gilles Villeneuve
21 - Jun 23
Spain
Circuit de Catalunya
28 - Jun 30
Austria
Red Bull Ring
5 - Jul 7
United Kingdom
Silverstone
19 - Jul 21
Hungary
Hungaroring
26 - Jul 28
Belgium
Spa-Francorchamps
23 - Aug 25
Netherlands
Circuit Zandvoort
30 - Sep 1
Italy
Monza
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Azerbaijan
Baku City Circuit
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Singapore
Marina Bay Street Circuit
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United States of America
Circuit of the Americas
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Mexico
Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez
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Brazil
Interlagos
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United States of America
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Formula 1 Calendar - 2024

Date
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Bahrain Bahrain International Circuit
29 - Mar 2
Bahrain Bahrain International Circuit
7 - Mar 9
Saudi Arabia Jeddah Street Circuit
22 - Mar 24
Australia Albert Park
5 - Apr 7
Japan Circuit Suzuka
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China Shanghai International Circuit
3 - May 5
United States of America Miami International Autodrome
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Italy Autodromo Enzo e Dino Ferrari
24 - May 26
Monaco Monte Carlo
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Canada Gilles Villeneuve
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Spain Circuit de Catalunya
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Hungary Hungaroring
26 - Jul 28
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23 - Aug 25
Netherlands Circuit Zandvoort
30 - Sep 1
Italy Monza
13 - Sep 15
Azerbaijan Baku City Circuit
20 - Sep 22
Singapore Marina Bay Street Circuit
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United States of America Circuit of the Americas
25 - Oct 27
Mexico Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez
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Driver profile

GB Will Stevens 28
  • Team Marussia
  • Points 0
  • Podiums 0
  • Grand Prix 19
  • Country GB
  • Date of b. Jun 28 1991 (32)
  • Place of b. Roachford, GB
  • Weight 63 kg
  • Length 1.71 m
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