NOVEMBER 20, 2015

Smedley to Haas, Baldisserri to Williams?

Rob Smedley has been linked with a move to the Haas team for 2016.

That is the claim of the Italian magazine Autosprint, referring to the 41-year-old British engineer who last year followed his friend and long-time colleague Felipe Massa from Ferrari to a prominent role at Williams.

Another notable move is also shaping up in F1, the publication claims.

Autosprint says that joining incoming Williams test driver Lance Stroll at the British team will be Luca Baldisserri, who is currently the head of Ferrari's driver development 'academy'.

Stroll, 17, has been part of the academy this year under Baldisserri's guidance, running fifth in the premier European F3 category for the Prema team.

It is believed Baldisserri has been engaged as a private consultant by Stroll's father, Lawrence Stroll, a Canadian fashion entrepreneur and billionaire.

Another rumour is that Stroll could take over the final few per cent stake in the Williams team that is still owned by Mercedes chief Toto Wolff.

(GMM)