Sergey Sirotkin's first encounter with Formula 1

©WRI2

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©WRI2

Yesterday, news emerged that Sergey Sirotkin is now the leading contender to fill Williams' coveted second seat alongside Lance Stroll next season.

In 2013, the young Russian driver was a front-runner in the Formula Renault 3.5 series but Sauber took Sirotkin on board that year as it aimed to prepare him for a race seat in 2014.

He enjoyed his first laps behind the wheel of an F1 car at a demo-run for the Swiss outfit at the then new Sochi track in Russia.

Sauber's plans to include Sirotkin in its 2014 line-up fell through unfortunately, for a lack of investment, but Renault later picked up the junior driver who continued to build his knowledge and experience of F1.

Is he about to step up to the big time with Williams? It sure looks like it...

Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.