Rio Haryanto admitted that he is unsure whether he will be in the Manor Racing drive for the whole 2016 Formula 1 season, although he revealed that the financial side is being handled by his management team.
The Indonesian secured the second Manor drive alongside Mercedes protégé Pascal Wehrlein ahead of the likes of Alexander Rossi and Will Stevens, and has a best finish of seventeenth in the first five races of the season at both Bahrain and Spain, and Haryanto is hopeful of being able to see out the season with the team.
“I have no answer for that right now,” admitted Haryanto. “I will give my best and of course the funds are an issue – but this is handled by my management so that I can fully concentrate on racing.
“Actually the question with the funds is not within my hands – I just want to deliver on track to make me a good candidate. No question, I would like to stay and finish the season here.”
Haryanto also revealed that having Wehrlein as his team-mate is a good reference point for him, and feels that he has not been out-performed as much as some believed he would be prior to the season.
“We work very well together,” said Haryanto. “Yes he is fast – and that pushes me. Outside the car we always share ideas, as we both want the best for the team.
“He is a cool team-mate. He is a future Mercedes driver, and when I am not far off his time – wow – that’s always fantastic for me. That is a good reference for me – not being slower than him.”
