Williams signs Sergey Sirotkin for 2018 F1 season, Robert Kubica named reserve
The Russian is handed his Formula 1 debut in the new season.
Williams F1 Team announced Sergey Sirtokin to partner Lance Stroll for the 2018 Formula 1 season. The Russian was chosen over grand prix winner Robert Kubica, both of whom were tested by the Grove outfit in the post-season Abu Dhabi test.
"To say I’m happy and proud to join such a famous team like Williams is an understatement," said Sirotkin. "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.”
Deputy team principal Claire Williams commented: "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 head 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.”
Sirotkin spent 2017 season on the sidelines with Renault, having just the one competitive outing in Baku in the Formula 2 Championship. In 2016, he finished third in the GP2 standings with ART, as he did in 2015 with Rapax.
The 22-year-old has been in the F1 radar since 2013 when he first got in touch with Sauber with the help of Russian investors. He stayed as a test driver of the Swiss team in 2014, before he moved to Renault for 2016 and 2017 seasons.
For the 2018 race seat, Sirotkin was one of the drivers being looked upon by Williams. Among the others, Kubica was one of the biggest names as the Polish driver looked to make a miraculous return to the pinnacle of motor racing after career-ending crash in 2011.
However, the fairytale would not happen with Kubica's lack of running in the modern cars and especially the Pirelli tyres hurting his performance the most to convince Williams. Plus, the financial backing of Sirotkin and his consistent pace put off Kubica's chances even more.
But Kubica will still stay with the team as the reserve and development driver: “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.”
Williams said: “I am delighted to announce that Robert will be joining Williams as our Reserve and Development Driver for the 2018 season. All of us at Williams have been immensely impressed at what he has achieved.
"It is a great credit to his strength of character and commitment to return to Formula One. We are excited to be continuing our relationship with Robert and look forward to working with him this coming season.”
Lowe added: "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.”
Robert Kubica [Copyright: Darshan Chokhani]
[Image courtesy: Williams F1 Team] #F1 #Motorsport #Williams #Russia #Formula1
Join In
Comments (4)
May I seriously ask... Why??? Please someone explain why Force India has better drivers than Williams.
Its great to see Kubica back, but once the Russian showed up with the money, you knew the seat was taken. I hope he does drive well though. I wasn't too impressed with Stroll last season and was looking forward to seeing a competitive Williams team again.
It is being said as I wrote, Kubica's pace especially on qualifying trim wasn't improving by much. In terms of raw pace, Sirotkin did better. I think the current deal is fine as Kubica will be hands-on to help out with his reserve role.
Bumped to best of f1