SMP Racing chastises Williams for lack of performance

Arrived in Formula 1 in Williams this season with the support of SMP, the young Russian will not be on the grid in 2019 after the Grove team formalized the recruitment of Robert Kubica. This announcement follows the hiring of George Russell a month earlier. Sirotkin, author of a point at the Italian Grand Prix, immediately confirmed that he would not drive in F1 next year via a message on his page on his Facebook page. His patron Rotenberg also made a statement, this one much more salty. “ We have chosen not to continue taking part in the Formula 1 World Championship as part of our joint project with Williams, explains the Russian businessman. Williams' level of performance was an unpleasant surprise at the start of the season. Furthermore, the speed of development of the car proved insufficient ". Williams currently occupies 10th and last place in the Manufacturers' standings with 7 points, including 6 points for Lance stroll, Sirotkin's teammate. The Russian's only point was also the result of the disqualification of Romain Grosjean in Monza. Despite these disappointing raw figures, the former GP2 Series driver did not do poorly in his first campaign among the elite, particularly in qualifying where he often beat his Canadian garage neighbor. “ Sergey delivered a good performance in difficult circumstances, adds Rotenberg. He gave 100% and fulfilled all the objectives we set for him. We are satisfied with his work and are studying several options for the rest of his career. Sergey will participate in many races under the SMP banner, concluded Rotenberg. Our decision will be announced soon ". SMP Racing is notably involved in the World Championship ofEndurance FIA and has just scored its first podium in the LMP1 category with the trio Jenson Button, Vitaly Petrov and Mikhail Aleshin.