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SMP boss insists Williams not paid to hire Sirotkin

SMP Racing founder Boris Rotenberg says Sergey Sirotkin owes his graduation to F1 with Williams to his talent rather than to money.

Reports suggest Sirotkin enjoyed a support package from SMP worth $20M to sweeten the Russian driver's deal with Williams and favour the 22-year-old over comeback man Robert Kubica.

Rotenberg, a Russian oligarch close to Vladimir Putin with interests in the banking and construction sectors, denied however that money talks and talent walks.

"Money plays an important role," the billionaire told the Taas news agency.

"However, Sirotkin ended up there [in Williams] not because of money, but due to his sports qualities. This is why I think Williams took him. We, on our part, prefer to invest into technologies."

Sirotkin's father: 'Sergey stronger than Kubica in all areas'

Rotenberg says Sirotkin's achievement validates SMP Racing's young driver programme and will serve as a catalyst for Russia's burgeoning young motorsport talent.

"This is great and this is an example for young pilots of our program that achieving success is possible," he said.

"We have over 1,500 carting racers across Russia and they see now that it is possible to make way to Formula One."

"This is very important that we signed a contract with Williams.

"This is the team, which did a lot for the development of automobile racing sport and is capable of competing with leaders such as McLaren and Ferrari."

When the season kicks off in Melbourne in March, Sergey Sirotkin will become the third Russian driver in F1 history to race in a Grand Prix after Vitaly Petrov in 2010 and Daniil Kvyat who started in 2014.

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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.