1997 Formula 1 world champion Jacques Villeneuve admits he isn't surpised by Felipe Massa's claim that money is speaking loudest as Williams decide who should replace the Brazilian for 2018.
Currently, F2 driver Sergey Sirotkin is believed to be the favourite as he offers much more financial sponsorship - from the SMP Bank linked to Russian President Vladimir Putin - than former Grand Prix winner Robert Kubica, who is looking to return to F1 seven years after a near-fatal rally crash ended his first career.
Williams put off making an announcement until January for further consideration, but Villeneuve, who won his title with the British team, agrees talent likely won't be too influential in that decision using the opportunity to once again slam fellow Canadian Lance Stroll.
"They (Williams) already sold their soul to the billions of Lawrence Stroll," he claimed. "Even Massa was faster than Lance, his podium in Baku does not convince me as it was pure luck."
On Wednesday, German publication Auto Bild reported that Sirotkin has indeed won the battle for the seat and a two-year deal is set to be confirmed, although former Swiss racer Marc Surer disagreed telling Bild am Sonntag: "You could actually toss a coin."
Related Stories:
- Kubica would be "disappointed" not to earn F1 seat
- Stroll enjoyed "many" highlights during "great" rookie F1 season
Changing topic, the always outspoken Villeneuve also had very little positive to say about former Williams driver Valtteri Bottas and his first year at Mercedes.
"Bottas' performance was almost embarrassing," he thought. "He is a solid number two and no more. I would have chosen [Pascal] Wehrlein."
