F1 News, Reports and Race Results

Sirotkin 'needs adrenaline' and wants Williams seat

Sergey Sirotkin is hoping he is now a contender for Williams' second seat despite all signs pointing to Robert Kubica racing for the British team next year.

The Russian driver was given a run in the Grove-based outfit's FW40 at this week's Pirelli tyre test in Abu Dhabi.

Whether Williams has a genuine interest in the 22-year-old's services or whether the team just took in a lavish one-off payment from Sirotkin's backers SMP is unclear, but he acquitted himself well at the test and wants the coveted drive.

"What is certain is that I am not here at the test to enjoy the sun," he said on Wednesday in Yas Marina.

"I cannot hope for a Renault seat in the immediate future, but it's a privilege to be able to work with different teams at the highest level.

"It's really hard not to have a seat and just be the reserve," he added.

"I know I'm learning a lot but I need adrenaline."

The Russian obviously met Kubica this week, and even had a lengthy chat with Bobby-K about their respective experiences behind the wheel of the FW40.

"I met Robert for the first time and he's very open and nice," he said.

"He happily talked to me and we could compare our times even if that doesn't mean much. The main thing for him was to have been able to drive at a good level.

"I think what he has done is really exceptional," Sirotkin admitted.

Gallery: The beautiful wives and girlfriends of F1 drivers

Keep up to date with all the F1 news via Facebook and Twitter

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.

Recent Posts

Marko: ‘No chance at all’ for Red Bull in Las Vegas

Helmut Marko believes that Red Bull and Max Verstappen are unlikely to challenge for victory…

4 hours ago

GM revives bid to join F1 with accelerated talks for 2026 entry

Automotive giant General Motors is reportedly back in the game as a potential entrant in…

5 hours ago

Las Vegas GP: Thursday's action in pictures

The opening day of running at the Las Vegas GP was a smooth but chilly…

7 hours ago

Williams' headaches persist into Vegas practice

Williams is continuing to fight uphill battles this weekend in Las Vegas as a knock-on…

8 hours ago

Ferrari's Sainz 'not satisfied with where we are' in Vegas

It was a solid start to the Las Vegas weekend for Ferrari with Carlos Sainz…

9 hours ago

Norris labels McLaren long-run pace ‘shocking’ in chilly Vegas

Lando Norris didn’t hold back in his assessment of McLaren’s performance on the opening day…

10 hours ago