CHENNAI: Good at steering, braking and in particular accelerating? Formula One team Mercedes may have a job for you. The German F1 team, on Thursday, tweeted out an ad that they are putting out in the next edition of Autosport magazine, calling for interested candidates to fill the vacancy caused by defending F1 champion Nico Rosberg. Rosberg had shocked the racing fraternity by announcing his retirement from the sport, just days after winning the Formula One title, besting teammate Lewis Hamilton. The development was thought to be a spanner in the works for Mercedes, who have been constructors’ champion for three years running. But if their ad is any indication, the situation certainly hasn’t dampened their sense of humour.
“A vacancy has arisen for the position of race driver with the team,” the ad reads. “As part of the travelling team, you will be responsible for the operation of an F1 car at track events, including demos, tests and Grand Prix. You will be self-motivated with a strong desire for success and a commitment to teamwork. Ideally, you will have a proven track record in skills including, steering, braking and, in particular, accelerating.”
The ad goes on to list other requirements and benefits, but does not specify a deadline or an address to where the application should be sent to. Former Lotus and HRT driver Karun Chandhok, who is one of the two Indians to race in Formula One, joined the likes of former Sauber driver Kamui Kobayashi in tweeting out his interest. “Hang on @MercedesAMGF1... Just seen your ad — I’m nearly there!!” he wrote. “It’s a good joke,” Karun told Express. “Really, hats off to them.” Jokes aside, Karun believes that Williams driver Valtteri Bottas is in pole position for Rosberg’s seat. “I’d say Bottas is probably in pole position,” he adds. “I can’t see (Fernando) Alonso or (Sebastian) Vettel being released from their contracts.”
vishnu.prasad@newindianexpress.com