Rosberg will probably leave Williams in 2009

Frank Williams fears he may not be able to prevent Nico Rosberg from joining McLaren after the 2009 season, despite turning down a generous offer from the British team at the end of last year.

Rosberg initially had a contract with the Grove team until 2008, with options beyond that date, but he decided to extend it for another season.

The German later clarified that he did not wish to remain with a team if it did not provide him with a sufficiently fast car.

Speaking of Rosberg’s decision to renegotiate his contract at the end of last year, Williams stated: « I was a bit surprised he was happy to sign to stay with the team. I was worried he would go to McLaren. »

« He couldn’t this year because he had a fixed contract, but for 2009, that was more concerning. We had an option for 2009 that depended on our position in the constructors’ championship. »

The German driver had been one of the main contenders to occupy the seat left vacant by Fernando Alonso at McLaren at the end of 2007.

Sir Frank Williams confirmed that McLaren had approached him regarding the purchase of Rosberg’s contract, but it is clear that he was not at all interested in selling it.

« We received an offer from ‘you know who’, in quite majestic proportions, but I never moved on to the discussion stage, » he continued.

« Why should we give away one of the crown jewels? »

Even though Rosberg has indicated multiple times that a long-term future with Williams would not bother him, co-owner Patrick Head admits that it will depend on the team’s ability to provide him with a car that matches his potential.

« If Nico realizes in the coming months that no positive signs are observed within the team, I am sure his long-term interests will shift elsewhere, » he explained.

« He is certainly capable of winning races and certainly capable of winning championships, as he was able to do in GP2. But he is already doing everything he can to help us get back into a competitive position.