Sergey Sirotkin has called for “clarity” from the Williams team amid growing speculation he is to be replaced by Robert Kubica next season.
On Monday, it was stated that the Pole would be announced ahead of this weekends Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, a claim which would make sense given next week’s two-day test at Yas Marina.
For the Russian, however, having finally got his chance in Formula 1 this year, the uncertainty is far from settling.
“Right now, sitting here, I want clarity,” he was quoted by PlanetF1.
“It is very unpleasant to read the latest news and see what is happening but then you get behind the wheel and immerse yourself in the process of racing.
“All of the problems disappear and the rest of the world ceases to exist.”
To make matters worse, Sirotkin’s opportunity has coincided with Williams’ third-worst season in their 40-year history and he wants the opportunity to continue the recovery effort that has begun.
“Right now, of course, I’m not ready for that,” he said of a possible test driver role. “I have said repeatedly that I invested much more in this season than people see.
“The last thing I want is for the results of my work to go to someone else. It is clear that this year we have worked for the future, the results should come next season.
“If you gave up and quit what you worked on, it will be a big disappointment.”
In other Sirotkin news, fans from Reddit and Facebook pages have come together to troll the Sky Sports ‘Driver of the Year’ poll with the 23-year-old well ahead of Lewis Hamilton.
The same groups are also suggesting nominating him for the ‘Driver of the Day’ award in Abu Dhabi so at least he has got some appreciation for his efforts albeit in a sarcastic way.