Williams have announced the young Russian driver Sergey Sirotkin as their second driver for 2018, teaming up with Lance Stroll.
Williams made the announcement on Tuesday, taking to social media to reveal their decision to take on Sergey Sirotkin as their second driver for the new season. This came after months of speculation and an apparent head to head between the Russian and former F1 Grand Prix winner Robert Kubica.
The Polish driver is attempting to return to Formula 1 racing after 6 years away from F1 due to catastrophic injuries he suffered in a rally crash in 2011. Having tested for Renault last summer, Williams trialed him at the post season tyre test in Abu Dhabi. Sirotkin also drove for Williams at that test and, between their relative performances and the financial package Sirotkin is believed to have offered the team, has won the drive.
“To say I’m happy and proud to join such a famous team like Williams is an understatement.” said Sirotkin of his new position.
Having come to Williams via Renault’s reserve driver position, as well as extensive GP2 career, he said that it hasn’t been easy to get this far: “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.”
Robert Kubica has been announced as the team’s reserve driver.
