Impressive rookie Felipe Nasr looks set to burst onto the 2016 Formula 1 silly season.
Globo suggested the rookie Brazilian could be at the front of the Williams queue if Valtteri Bottas replaces Kimi Raikkonen at Ferrari at the end of the year.
Nasr, 22, let his frustration show after Austrian grand prix, as he suffered a repeat of a brake overheating issue that also married his race in Canada.
“It is unacceptable,” said the Sauber driver. “It is the second time I have faced exactly the same problem.”
Nasr arrived at the Swiss team this year with the strong backing of sponsor Banco do Brasil, raising suggestions he is a ‘pay driver’.
But he has impressed from the very first race, clearly out-shining teammate Marcus Ericsson.
So if a vacancy opens at Williams for 2016, might he be in the frame to return to Grove, where he spent last season as reserve driver?
“I think it’s too early to talk about it. I am committed to Sauber,” he told correspondent Livio Oricchio, who said Nasr signed a three-year contract at the beginning of the season.
As for Williams, however, Nasr commented: “I had a great year with them in 2014 so I see the door open. Who knows if in the future an opportunity there may arise.”