Stroll set to take over bankrupt Force India

Several reports from different sources indicate Stroll senior will be taking over Force India F1 Team from embattled Indian business tycoons Vijay Mallya and Subrata Roy, with Michael Mol supposedly keeping his stake in the team.

The latest development comes amid reports that the Silverstone based outfit is close to administration and near bankruptcy, with deputy team principal Otmar Szafnauer telling reporters at Hockenheim that money for development is almost non-existent.

Mallya, who is being vigorously sought by Indian authorities for a number of infractions, made his single race appearance when he turned up at the British Grand Prix, whereupon he told reporters that the team was for sale but added that no one had shown him the money.

Apparently, Stroll senior has shown it to him and a deal has been struck. A source close to the team said, cryptically, that details "will be announced when the ink dries" on the contract but gave no date.

The investment by Stroll is likely to secure over 400 jobs and set the team back on track to punch above their weight, as they have traditionally done in the top flight.

This development is likely to further stir up the Silly Season rumour vine as it means either Esteban Ocon or Sergio Perez or both will depart The Pinks at the end of the season.

Confirmation of the Stroll to Force India is sure to trigger big movements in the driver market.

Also on the cards for the team is a name change, the 'India' element of the name no longer relevant, in fact, under Mallya they were considering a name change last year but that came to nought.

Sponsors such as BWT and Hype Energy Drinks are likely to stay on board, with Stroll senior - after talks with Mercedes boss Toto Wolff - angling to make the new team the Mercedes junior outfit, which in turn would mean Ocon stays and Perez will depart.

Until Stroll and Force India confirm that the deal is done, speculation will mount regarding the multi-faceted implications of such a scenario.

Earlier this year, another Canadian billionaire Michael Latifi bought a stake in McLaren, his son Nicolas Latifi races in GP2 and has also tested for Force India.

https://www.grandprix247.com/2018/05/21/latifi-family-behind-mclaren-quarter-billion-dollar-boost/