Williams technical director Paddy Lowe has once again defended the team's line-up for 2018, with Sergey Sirotkin alongside Lance Stroll, as a long-term "investment" in both drivers.
There was disappointment after the Russian, who impressed at the post-season test in Abu Dhabi last year, got the nod for the second seat over former Grand Prix winner Robert Kubica, with the Pole instead signed as reserve and development driver.
In doing so, the British team has created the youngest pairing on the grid for 2018, with a combined age of just 41, but Lowe insists Sirotkin was the top driver of the plethora they considered to replace the now retired Felipe Massa.
"We chose him as the best driver available to us," he told Russia's Sportbox. "We are sure that he will be very fast, consistent and calm in his work."
With Williams needing a strong year, after falling behind Force India and others last season, many see the still immature Stroll and Sirotkin as a risk, especially against the line-ups many of their midfield rivals enjoy.
"I would not compare it to gambling," the former Mercedes boss claimed, however. "We understand that there are some disadvantages, but at the same time, we're making an investment.
"A young driver is an investment in a long-term future and a long-term success that can come to the driver and the team. We prefer to see a rising star in Sergey and hope to work with him for long-term and joint success."
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As for Stroll, he has also reiterated his sole commitment to Williams for this year, despite joining Fernando Alonso and other F1 personalities at the Daytona 24 Hours last weekend.
“My focus is F1, I do want to become a world champion one day and I want to have a good year this year," the Canadian told Racer.
“Last year there were a lot of things that we could have improved on and that’s what I want to do. I want to improve my weaknesses.
“This was a one and only thing at Daytona; after this, it will be F1 all the way until Abu Dhabi and then, next Daytona!”
