After weeks of speculation, Williams has confirmed Sergey Sirotkin will replace Felipe Massa and partner Lance Stroll in 2018, completing the grid for the upcoming Formula 1 season.
His appointment has been widely expected with the Russian emerging as the favourite late last year due to his strong financial backing and a good test in Abu Dhabi last November which saw the 22-year-old out-pace his main rival for the seat, Robert Kubica.
The decision to choose Sirotkin was revealed via a video on YouTube with Williams deputy team boss Claire Williams stating: “After an extensive driver evaluation process, I am thrilled to have our 2018 line-up finalised.
“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.”
Chief technical officer Paddy Lowe also praised the potential of Williams’ newest driver, adding: “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.”
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Sirotkin has been a part of the F1 paddock making six practice appearances with Renault over the past two years and was clearly delighted to finally get his F1 opportunity.
“To say I’m happy and proud to join such a famous team like Williams is an understatement,” he said. “It took a huge amount of work to get where I am, and I’m really happy and thankful to everyone involved.”
Though not the race seat many had hoped, Kubica, who was aiming to return to F1 for the first time since his near-career-ending rally crash in 2011, will be a key part of the Williams operation as test and development driver, completing several appearances in FP1 sessions this season too.
“I’m extremely happy to be joining the Williams team,” the 32-year-old commented.
“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.”
His experience is likely to be very important too, with Sirotkin and Stroll the youngest line-up on the grid with a combined age of just 41.
However, the former Grand Prix winner insisted: “My ultimate goal remains to race again in F1 and this is another important step in that direction: I cannot wait to get started.”
