Williamson dropped by Red Bullposted in MSPOR30 | 06 | 2012
SCOT LEWIS WILLIAMSON has mysteriously been dropped by Red Bull from its junior racing programme. The 22-year-old from Golspie had contested the opening five rounds of the World Series Formula Renault 3.5 under the programme.
Williamson, a former McLaren Autosport Young Driver of the Year winner, had been placed with the fledgling Arden Caterham for this season.
It's been well publicised the team has struggled to get to grips, not only with the its first season contesting the new formula, but also the new cars used in the championship for 2012.
The announcement by Red Bull left not only Arden Caterham bosses shellshocked, but senior figures in F1 scratching their heads in bewilderment.
Already a number of teams have been in contact with the talented Scot, who impressively tested a McLaren F1 car at Silverstone last year, keen to have him onboard for the rest of the season.
The news from Red Bull also came just weeks after Williamson started fourth on the grid at a rain-lashed Spa-Francorchamps.
Lewis Williamson denied Spa victory
Ironically Dundee-born Williamson was metaphorically hung out to dry when the team didn't call him in early enough for his mandatory pitstop.
Following the appearance of a Safety Car after a crash involving New Zealand's Richie Stanaway, the team instructed Williamson to remain out on track and use the rest of the race as an unofficial 'test session'. Naturally, the Scot did as he was told.
While the rest of the leading contenders slithered backwards in the unrelenting conditions, Williamson remained ahead of the pack and, in doing so, set the second-fastest lap of the race.
Despite being first to take the chequered flag, stewards subsequently handed the Scot a 60-second penalty for not making his pitstop, dropping him back to a disappointing 16th
A statement released by Red Bull covering Williamson's dismissal stated: "he has not had the success everyone expected this year in the Renault 3.5 series that is seen as a direct step into Formula 1, the step that was taken in last year by Daniel Ricciardo and Jean-Eric Vergne. It is a brutally competitive business."
Sahara Force India eyeing podiums
The Scot, who should have been racing at the Nurburgring in Germany at the weekend and has been replaced by Portuguese GP3 racer Antonio Felix da Costa, wasn't available for comment today.
However, in the ever-more confusing and politically motivated world of motorsport, it is clear Red Bull still highly value Williamson's continued contribution. And it is clear the decision hasn't been made entirely on driving ability.
As part of the Red Bull F1 team, the Scot spent much of last week working on the team's simulator developing the race car which double world champ Sebastian Vettel, and Aussie Mark Webber, will drive in next weekend's British Grand Prix at Silverstone.
Interestingly, Williamson — who continues to be backed by the Highland Arena consortium of private backers — will return to Red Bull F1's Milton Keynes base this week to carry out further development work on the F1 car.
Rory Butcher bags double Porsche victory
Keep up-to-date with all the latest news by following us on twitter.com/scotcars
Jim McGill