A just-fired but "very respectable" driver may not be out of work very long


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It looks as if Formula 1 driver Daniil Kyvat may not be out of work very long.

Toro Rosso fired the 23-year-old Kyvat after the U.S. Grand Prix in Austin last weekend citing a lack of confidence in him. Now Williams Racing says they're considering Kyvat for a seat in 2018. For Kyvat to get it, it would mean Williams passes on Robert Kubica and Paul di Resta, and parts way with incumbent driver Felipe Massa.

"As I said in Austin we'll consider all drivers that are not contracted," Williams technical boss Paddy Lowe said when asked by Motorsport.com. "That is a fact. Kvyat is a very respectable driver, so he should be in the frame."

By all accounts, it was a terrible season for Kvyat, a two-time champion at the young age of 23. He won the GP3 series in 2013 and the Formula Renault 2.0 Alps the year before, but none of that matters.

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Including the point he scored at Austin, Kvyat has a total of 4 points this year. Compare that to teammate Carlos Sainz, Jr. with 48 over the same stretch.

Williams is in discussions with Massa about staying on, but has not reached any decisions. That has not set well with Massa, who was hoping to know one way or the other before the Brazilian Grand Prix.

"Relationships between teams and drivers around renewals is always tense, unfortunately. Most of us when we got and apply for a job, it's done in private. In F1 it's a very public affair, and that does make it more awkward than we'd like," said Lowe. "But Felipe's a great guy, and he's got a great relationship with Williams, it's very respectful both ways. Whatever we conclude together, we'll remain on good terms."

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