F1 News, Reports and Race Results

SMP sporting director Mika Salo defends Sirotkin choice

Former F1 driver Mika Salo says Williams has put together a pair of 'hungry' drivers by choosing Sergey Sirotkin to race alongside Lance Stroll this year.

The former Ferrari and Toyota driver heads the motor racing programme of Russian bank SMP, which is supporting Sirotkin's graduation to Formula 1 with a financial package rumored to be worth $20 million to Williams.

Salo however insists the 22-year-old rookie is more than just a pay driver.

"Williams is the best choice for Sirotkin. It's a good team, he has a young teammate and both are definitely hungry," Salo told Finnish broadcaster MTV.

"He's a smart guy. He knows a lot about engineering and technology and has good experience of F1 cars with Renault," he added.

Salo won't predict which Williams driver - Canadian Stroll or Sirotkin - will have the upper hand in 2018. But he believes a healthy emulation among the two young chargers will lead to positive results.

"I think they're pretty much the same, but we'll only find out in the races," he said.

"They will certainly fight hard against each other, which takes the team forward and brings results for both of them."

SMP Bank's Boris Rothenberg is obviously delighted to see a Russian back in F1.

"In 2018 we are making our debut in Formula 1 with Williams and Sergey Sirotkin," the billionaire told news agency Ria Novosti.

"This will undoubtedly please Russian fans and have a significant impact on the development of Russian motor sport," he added.

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

Hamilton delighted with ‘consistently strong day’ in Vegas

Lewis Hamilton was particularly happy with his opening day of running at the Las Vegas…

24 mins ago

Verstappen stuck with 'draggy' rear wing for Vegas

Red Bull fears that its prospects for this weekend's Las Vegas Grand Prix - which…

1 hour ago

Ferrari and Mercedes admit to plank changes based on FIA’s TD

Ferrari and Mercedes have both modified their car’s floor element in Las Vegas to comply…

2 hours ago

Las Vegas GP: Hamilton continues on top in second practice

Lewis Hamilton put Mercedes on top of the timesheets for the second time in Las…

3 hours ago

2024 Las Vegas Grand Prix Free Practice 2 - Results

Full results from Free Practice 2 for the Las Vegas Grand Prix at Las Vegas,…

3 hours ago

Leclerc confident Ferrari ‘has a shot’ at F1 Constructors’ title

Charles Leclerc believes that Ferrari has a genuine “shot” at beating rival McLaren to Formula…

4 hours ago