Fernley out of Force India after takeover

Robert Fernley is no longer part of the Force India team following the purchase of all of its assets by Lawrence Stroll and his consortium.

Fernley has been long associated with Vijay Mallya, and has held the position of deputy team principal since 2008.

This has meant that Fernley has been in charge of Force India on race weekends due to Mallya being unable to leave the United Kingdom for two years, so couldn't attend the other races.

Fernley was reportedly told by Stroll some point of last week that he is not part of Force India's plans anymore, with chief operating officer Otmar Szafnauer currently in temporary charge of the management team.

Force India have had some real financial difficulties in the past month or so, and have as a result gone into administration and fortunately for them, Lance Stroll's father, Lawrence - has saved the side.

The team is currently trying to change its identity and effectively becoming a new entry in Formula One, but it is unclear at the moment whether or not the paperwork will be done and would have gone through in time for the Belgian Grand Prix that takes place this weekend.

So, it looks as if Force India and Lawrence Stroll are going to have a vacancy open for their deputy team principal with the departure of Fernley... and the announcement is expected in the near future.