There is great disappointment for motor sport in Switzerland after the announcement by Toro Rosso and Red Bull of a whole new line of drivers for the next season of Formula 1.  Sébastian, who has been in the Red Bull Junior Driver Programme since 2005, and under contract until 2013, will not be driving a Toro Rosso in 2012 and the blow to the Vaudois could remove him from the pinnacle of motor sport.

Twelve hours before the decision was announced on the net, we met Sébastien between two simulator sessions at Red Bull HQ in Milton Keynes and, as usual, the Swiss was optimistic and confident. His short stay in England also included a visit to Bicester where he was to meet with engineers from the Toro Rosso’s wind tunnel - a strong signal that augured well for a positive outcome held in suspense by hesitant decision-makers.  But this was not to be the scenario.

Said Franz Tost, "I must also thank Sébastien Buemi and Jaime Alguersuari for all their hard work over the past three seasons. They have delivered some excellent performances which have helped the team move forward and develop. We wish them well for the future." He added, "However, one has to remember that when Scuderia Toro Rosso was established in 2005, it was done so with the intention of providing a first step into Formula 1 for the youngsters.”   Sebastian drove the STR for three seasons and, even if this change of Toro Rosso drivers was anticipated, many ponder the decision to transform a team now well run in, despite failures  which have condemned the Swiss man to three withdrawals at the end season.

After 55 races, commencing with a seventh position in Australia for his first GP, and 15 times in the points, what is the future of the sportsman from Aigle? We have often heard that there was no plan B, allowing total concentration on Formula One alone, but now new approaches will begin. Would he consider moving to the United States in the Indy Car series, the DTM championship or stay close to formula one by accepting a role of third driver and perhaps bounce back at the first opportunity? Or will Red Bull have a Plan B for the Ambassador of Pain Paillasse?