Heidfeld to sue Renault?

Nick Heidfeld could sue Renault if the team confirms its reported plans to drop him for the rest of the 2011 season.

Enstone based Renault on Tuesday released its usual pre-race quotes ahead of the Spa-Francorchamps race weekend but did not mention the proposed driver lineup.

The development comes amid rumours Bruno Senna, apparently with millions in potential Brazilian sponsorship, is set to replace German Heidfeld in Belgium and beyond.

But Daily Telegraph correspondent Tom Cary on Tuesday said Heidfeld, 34, would likely tackle those plans with legal action.

"The (newspaper) understands that ... Heidfeld ... is prepared to use legal channels to hang on to his race seat," said Cary.

He added that Heidfeld "may argue that it is unreasonable to replace him on grounds of performance" given that he has actually scored more points than teammate Vitaly Petrov so far.

source: motorsport.com

well they cant blame the driver due to renaults performance of the car.... the car is to blame not the driver

Didnt really expect Heidfeld had performed better than Petrov this season (34:32 so hardly a lead is it?) Petrov is probably a bit more aggresive imo and that is the style of driver the F1 teams would rather invest in. I'm surprised Heidfeld got a position at Renault in the first place!

Heidfeld got a few good results at the start but imo Petrov has definately been the better driver, much quicker in qualifying usually too. Time for Nick to finally go.

monty junior wrote:Heidfeld got a few good results at the start but imo Petrov has definately been the better driver, much quicker in qualifying usually too. Time for Nick to finally go.

Results suggest otherwise. Petrov has out-qualified Heidfeld 8-3, which means he has the pace, but Heidfeld has been more consistent in races and has scored more points (head to head tally is only 5-6 in Petrov's favour).

They both have a single podium (3rd place) each.

Granted the last two races have been very poor, but he's shown earlier in the season that he's capable of finishing in the points regularly.

That said, I am glad Senna will be given the chance to show what he can do in a midfield car. I also don't think Nick is going to do himself or the team any good by sueing them. I do feel sorry for him and don't feel his performances have warranted his being dropped, but by the time any legal dispute is resolved the season will likely be over.