Marcus Ericsson says he is aiming to return to Formula 1 in 2020 after losing his place at Sauber for next season.
Sauber has chosen an all-new driver line-up of Kimi Raikkonen and Antonio Giovinazi for next year, following Charles leclerc’s departure to Ferrari.The team confirmed Ericsson will take the role of third driver and brand ambassador after confirming Giovinazzi in its line-up earlier this week. However Ericsson said he feared for his seat after Raikkonen’s move was confirmed following the Italian Grand Prix.
“I think when Kimi signed, that was bad news for me,” he said. “I was still hoping but then obviously over the past weekend I got the information that Antonio had signed for the other car.
“My management were looking around a little bit but we decided to continue with Sauber and the relationship there, which we think is important. And we go from there basically.”
Ericsson indicated he could look at moving into other series but said: “My goal is still to come back into Formula One.
“I think for 2019 that’s not going to happen but hopefully after that there will be possibilities to come back. That’s still the goal, to come back to Formula One.”
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Ben Rowe (@thegianthogweed)
27th September 2018, 20:35
Get ready for loads of negative comments. He may be a pay driver, but I don’t see the problem of trying to get back in. If any driver gets an opportunity, they should try to get the drive. Some have it more easy than others, but still, if he is willing to remain as a reserve driver, it clearly shows he’s wanting to drive again.
Fer no.65 (@fer-no65)
27th September 2018, 22:01
@thegianthogweed I’m not sure that it “clearly” shows he wants to come back, a lot of drivers in the past stayed in the team in test driver duties. But if Marcus works for it, then good for him! I doubt he’ll get another chance but hey! I thought we had seen enough of Adrian Sutil after being dropped in 2011 and he then returned and raced for two more years!!!
Mark Thomson (@melthom)
27th September 2018, 22:28
They’re are all “pay drivers”. If you don’t bring sponsorship you can’t get a drive.
Mark Thomson (@melthom)
27th September 2018, 22:29
double “are” unintentional.
BasCB (@bascb)
27th September 2018, 23:07
Off course he can try to get back in. Who knows how Giovanazzi will do. His backers look like they would still get him back in.
Euro Brun (@eurobrun)
27th September 2018, 21:57
Is he planning on starting a new team?
I think that’s the only way he’ll get back on the grid.
Neil (@neilosjames)
27th September 2018, 21:57
Must be tough to take when your sponsor owns the team and you still don’t get a drive.
Don’t blame Ericsson for wanting to hang around the paddock and stay in touch, but I’m not sure I can see a way back from this. Thought he might want to go try something else to see if he had a special talent in some other kind of racing… maybe he’d be good at sportscars or something other than single-seaters.
Iosif (@afonic)
27th September 2018, 22:55
Hey, if Kvyat returns, everything is possible!
Seriously though, Ocon, Vandoorne and Ericsson might be looking for a 2020 drive. If I had to bet between the the, Marcus would be at the bottom of the list.
DB-C90 (@dbradock)
28th September 2018, 5:53
Sad thing though is that of those 3 Marcus has the biggest financial backing – for some teams that would make him more attractive than Ocon or Vandoorne.