Last month Frank Williams told the press:
Hamilton is still a baby, so to speak, but dishing out loads of trouble already. I mean that in the nicest possible way. I cry he’s not in a Williams but I rejoice for F1. I really do.
But the Williams boss may already have found his own answer to Britain’s newest star.
Malaysian driver Jazeman Jaafar had a test in Williams’ F1 simulator. A real life test in an actual car was out of the question, since Jaafar is just 14 years old.
To date only one Malaysian driver has competed in Formula 1 – Alex Yoong, in 2001 and 2002. This year Fairuz Fauzy is a test drier for Spyker-Ferrari.
Jaafar did benefit from some useful backers to land the virtual test – the deputy CEO of Williams sponsor AirAsia accompanied him to the team’s Grove headquarters. But he has also shown promise on the track, scoring two wins and a second in the first four rounds of the Asian Formula BMW championship.
Snatching a bright young talent from under the noses of his former engine supplier BMW is exactly the sort of move that would put a broad smile on Williams’ face.
But that’s nothing compared to how proud he would be to land the next Lewis Hamilton.
Related links
- GP Update – Williams to test 14 year-old Malaysian (external)
- Pitpass – Williams to ‘test’ 14 year-old (external)
Tags: f1 / formula one / formula 1 / grand prix / motor sport