Karun Chandhok has been dropped by Hispania for next weekend’s German Grand Prix at Hockenheim, and will be replaced by Japanese driver Sakon Yamamoto.
Yamamoto replaced of the other Hispania driver, Bruno Senna, at Silverstone earlier this month, but the Brazilian will return to the car in Germany and stay there for the remainder of the season.
Hispania currently have four drivers under contract: Chandhok, Senna, Yamamoto, and former Red Bull driver Christian Klien, who has taken part in two practice sessions for the team this season. It is thought that team principal Colin Kolles is rotating the four drivers before they establish a firm line-up for next season.
Chandhok, 26, is disappointed with the team’s decision, but understands their predicament. He also expects that he will miss more races this season.
“As a racing driver it’s obviously not great to be missing races but I’m not in contention for the world championship or in a points battle over anything,” the Indian driver told the BBC.
“I came into this team looking to establish myself as a credible, respectable Formula 1 driver and I’ve done that.
“I expect to be back for some races later in the year.
“The team gave me the chance to be in F1 and I have to respect and support this decision.
“At the moment we are talking only about Hockenheim but with four drivers and two cars, it is probably inevitable I will miss some more races.”