Sergey Sirotkin second driver at Williams in 2018

The suspense dragged on for many weeks. Tuesday, the team Williams F1 finally announced the identity of the second pilot lined up in the company of Lance stroll for the 2018 season. It will be the Russian Sergey sirotkin, preferred in particular to the Pole Robert Kubica. The latter is nevertheless retained as a reserve and development pilot, as we announced to you in issue 2148 ofSelf, available on newsstands Wednesday and now in digital version.

The 22-year-old driver from the east was put in competition against the former Grand Prix winner during tire tests in Abu Dhabi End of november. But it seems that in addition to sporting performances, these are the millions of euros allocated by its national partners who helped Sergey Sirotkin get this seat. Former test pilot for Renault (in 2016), he notably distinguished himself with two 3rd places in the GP2 Series (in 2015 and 2016) as well as a 4th place in Formula Renault 3.5 in 2014.

WATCH: WILLIAMS MARTINI RACING 2018 Driver Announcement #WeAreRacing pic.twitter.com/wFmROTUbC8

- WILLIAMS RACING (@WilliamsRacing) 16th January 2018

“To say that I am proud and happy to join a team as prestigious as Williams is an understatement”, explains Sergey Sirotkin. “Getting to a job as an F1 driver took an incredible amount of effort, and I am very grateful to everyone who helped me. The result of combined efforts helped me realize my dream; the team can be sure that I will give the best of myself. »

Those responsible for the British team, like Claire Williams, are also delighted to welcome the driver from the east. “After an extensive evaluation process, I can't wait to see what the 2018 season has in store. We took all the time necessary to weigh the options presented and I am confident in the abilities of Lance (Stroll) and Sergey (Sirotkin) to give good results to the team. Williams' philosophy has always been to promote and support young talents and Sergey is fully part of this dynamic. (Robert Kubica is 33 years old)."

Paddy Lowe, Williams' technical director, was full of praise for the new recruit. “We conducted a rigorous and comprehensive review of several pilots. Sergey impressed the entire team with his talent and looks, as well as his technical feedback and work ethic, both at the factory and in Abu Dhabi. Our pair of drivers will help us realize the potential of the FW41. »