Max Chilton is adamant that his race seat with Marussia is guaranteed until the end of the season, despite a peculiar turn of events over the past few weeks.
A fortnight ago, Chilton’s Formula One career appeared to be in limbo after “contractual issues” led to the the British driver’s seat being given to Marussia’s reserve driver, Alexander Rossi, prior to the Belgian Grand Prix.
However, the decision was reversed a day later, and Chilton was back in the driving seat for the second practice session, finishing 16th at the race in Spa having started from 19th on the grid.
To add even more confusion to the situation, a statement from Chilton’s management suggested that the 23-year-old had “volunteered” to give up his seat in order to aid the team’s financial cause. However, the spate of uncertainty now appears to have reached a conclusion.
Asked whether he would be behind the wheel for the final seven grands prix, Chilton replied: “Yes. What happened was a commercial decision which got changed, and we are now back to normal.
Advertisement
“It’s all been sorted out and it’s now in the past. We’re now looking forward as we’re still in an amazing position as a team.
“The best thing we can do now is focus on staying ahead of Sauber.”
Chilton conceded that his future beyond the end of the season remains uncertain. “All I can do is the best job I can,” he said. “I had a good start to the year, but then a couple of races which haven’t been particularly great.
“But I’m always quick here, and there are a couple of tracks coming up I like, so the main thing I can do to help myself for next year is to put in some good performances.”
Behind the scenes, it is up to Chilton’s management to try to strike a new deal with the team. At present he remains tied in to an Enterprise Initiative Scheme whereby he has 30 to 40 backers, and in return he has given up part of his future earnings.
Advertisement
“That’s still in place and still going strong,” said Chilton. “You always have to go back to base for the following year, but I’m sure between all those people it will be fine.
“I will leave it to my management, and all they can do is talk to the right people and try to get a deal done before the end of the year.
“It’s always nice as a driver to know you’ve something for the following year before the final race.”
Chilton is confident that what happened at Spa has not jeopardised his standing or position in the team.
“No, not at all,” he insisted. “At the end of the day it was a commercial decision made by both parties, something that was agreed.
Advertisement
“From the outside it looked like it was a bit messy, but from the inside we knew what was going on. It hasn’t changed anything on our side.”