Merhi to focus on FR3.5 title after Barcelona (Update)

Roberto Merhi

UPDATE (GMM) Roberto Merhi has confirmed his F1 future is clouded beyond next weekend's Spanish grand prix.

The rookie has only been racing for the resurrected Marussia team on the basis that he may be replaced at any time once a suitable 'pay driver' is found.

So Merhi, 24, kicked off his Formula Renault 3.5 season in Spain at the weekend, admitting: "I have no idea of the future beyond the Spanish grand prix.

"So far I was the race driver, let's see what happens next," he is quoted by El Confidencial.

McGregor-backed Giedo van der Garde's manager has confirmed rumors that "contact" with Manor has taken place recently.

In Bahrain, Merhi was also substantially off the pace of his teammate Will Stevens, who is all signed up for the full season, thanks to his millions in backing.

But Merhi suggested there may be "differences" between the two red and white Manor cars.

"Yes, there are differences," he confirmed. "The cars are complete, but with some pieces from last year and perhaps mine is lacking something in comparison to the other."

Merhi also admits that some aspects of F1 have surprised him in 2015.

"Right now," he said, "it is as though there are four levels of formula one, four championships.

"There are a lot of differences between the engines, downforce, traction.

"You spend so much time in the race, and even practice, managing the (functions of the) steering wheel. It's strange — it's formula one, but then you are driving all the time without pushing the tires too much."

Merhi said that, in contrast, his Formula Renault 3.5 "is a car that you can attack with more".

"Formula one has eight gears and many more horse power," he added, "but the cornering is practically equal, or even less."

The atmosphere in the paddock is also different in F1, Merhi explained: "(F1) people come in, do their job and then go home.

"It's not like karting or other categories where everything is much more familiar. Some people treat it (F1) just as a job."

04/24/15 (GMM) Roberto Merhi will contest the forthcoming Spanish grand prix.

That is the claim of the Spanish daily El Mundo Deportivo, reporting that Manor has now unofficially confirmed the news.

"Whether he stays beyond that will be decided after the race in Spain" next month, the newspaper added.

Part of the decision may be left up to the 24-year-old himself, after he expressed disappointment with his struggle to keep up with rivals at the wheel of the modified 2014 Marussia car.

Merhi is also expected to be a title contender in the Formula Renault 3.5 series this year, but the Monaco round next month clashes with the F1 race in the Principality.

"Merhi will have to decide what is best for his future," said El Mundo Deportivo.

Merhi said this week: "Last year I fought for the (Formula Renault 3.5) title but I had technical problems, so I have decided to come back" this year.

"This time I will try to be the champion," he added.

But the decision will also be Manor's, as the struggling team has deliberately not signed a full season's contract with Merhi as it seeks a driver with better funding.

It is rumored Manor could substantially change its livery after Barcelona, perhaps to accommodate the colors of McGregor, the Dutch fashion label that backs Giedo van der Garde.