Williams confirm Sergey Sirotkin as new driver for 2018
The team has also announced Robert Kubica will join as reserve driver
Williams have finally confirmed Sergey Sirotkin as their new race driver for 2018.
The Russian racer will line up alongside Canadian Lance Stroll for the Grove-based squad this season.
The second Williams seat was only remaining seat on the grid that was not filled before Christmas, as the team wrestled with who would replace the retiring Felipe Massa.
Paul Di Resta and Robert Kubica were both in the frame, but now 22-year-old Sirotkin has been given the nod - though Kubica has been given a role as reserve and development driver.
He said: “To say I’m happy and proud to join such a famous team like Williams is an understatement.
"It took a huge amount of work to get where I am, and I’m really happy and thankful to everyone involved.
"The result of our combined efforts has helped me achieve my dream, and rest assured the team can rely on me to deliver my best.”
Sirotkin at the wheel of the Williams in Abu Dhabi (Pic: Sutton)
Sirotkin essentially won a testing shoot-out with former BMW-Sauber driver Kubica at the Abu Dhabi tyre test at the end of last season, and the team has spent the last few weeks going over the data from the test.
Claire Williams, Deputy Team Principal said: “After an extensive driver evaluation process, I am thrilled to have our 2018 line-up finalised, and I’m excited to see what next season brings.
"We have taken our time to evaluate all the available options, and I’m confident Lance and Sergey can deliver the best results for the team.
"The Williams philosophy has always been to promote and develop young talent and Sergey fits right into that ethos.
"Lance has had a record-breaking debut season, and with a year now under his belt, he will be ready to hit the ground running in 2018.
"We have a talented driver line-up for 2018, that we are confident will deliver some exciting results for the team.”
Technical chief Paddy Lowe added: “We have conducted a rigorous and exhaustive driver evaluation process.
"Ultimately, Sergey impressed the team with his driving pace and talent, technical feedback and work ethic, both at the factory and trackside in Abu Dhabi.
"I’m delighted he will be joining the team to partner Lance next season. Lance will be going into his second season with us, after notable achievements in his rookie year.
"We have an exciting line-up for 2018 which we believe will help us to maximise the potential of the FW41.”
Kubica is new reserve and development driver
Kubica was favourite for the race seat at one point, and will have a roll within the team (Pic: Sutton)
Robert Kubica was at one stage favourite to be given the race seat in what would have been a hugely popular return to competitive F1 action for the Polish driver who was forced out of the sport following injuries sustained in a rallying accident in 2011.
Ultimately the team decided against that, but the former Sauber and Lotus driver will join the team as reserve and development driver, meaning he could yet race in 2018 if either regular driver has to sit out a race for any reason.
Kubica said: “I’m extremely happy to be joining the Williams team as its official Reserve and Development Driver this season.
"I feel in the best physical shape that I have ever been, but it has taken a lot of work to get to where I am now, so I’d like to thank Williams for the opportunities they have given me so far, and for putting their faith in me with this appointment.
"I have enjoyed being back in the Formula One paddock over these past few months, and I now look forward to working with the Williams technical team, both at the factory and at the track, to really help push forward the development of the FW41 and to make a real difference to their 2018 campaign.
"Having driven both the FW36 and the FW40, I’m looking forward to seeing how the FW41 measures up on track and working with the team to ensure we can maximise the performance of the car.
"My ultimate goal remains to race again in Formula One and this is another important step in that direction: I cannot wait to get started.”
Paddy Lowe said: “First and foremost, we’d like to congratulate Robert on what he has achieved so far.
"To overcome his injuries, return to fitness, and drive a Formula One car again is a remarkable achievement, and one that few considered possible.
"We anticipate Robert will make a strong technical contribution to the team, using his wealth of experience in track testing, simulator work, and support to the race drivers and engineers at every race.
"He is a driver I have admired for many years and I am personally very happy to be working with him towards our 2018 Championship.”
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Comments (15)
this could work. having kubica around gives sirokin and stroll a great knowledge base to tap into even if kubica as driven competitivly in F1 for 7 years.
I understand why Williams picked Sirotkin and i'm happy they let Kubica be their reserve driver. Still, as a Pole and F1 fan, i would like to have Kubica back on the track, not somewhere in the back.
What happened to Williams!? Look at Force India.... shocked and almost ashamed.
I'd still go for kvyat. Agreed on the confidence, but that's not impossible to get back and he certainly has to be the most talented of the bunch, given Kubica's state
this was meant as an answer on you. I did something wrong
Kubica drove for two Teams in F1 and you managed to get both of them wrong.