Sirotkin a pay-driver? A pure lie, says backer Rotenberg

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Russian billionaire Boris Rotenberg once again denied that protégé Sergey Sirotkin was chosen by Williams for the amount of money he brings to the team.

While the Grove-based outfit insists the 22-year-old owed the coveted seat to his merit, following the comparative test between Sirotkin and Robert Kubica which took place at Abu Dhabi in late November, many believe the estimated $20M 'support package' provided by Rotenberg's SMP Bank was the deal breaker.

Rotenberg vehemently denies this was the case although he admits Williams did receive funding from SMP, which leaves us with a bit of a contradiction in terms.

"He [Sirotkin] was faster than Kubica," Rotenberg told Russian publication Fontanka.

"That is for those people who say he bought a place for himself. That is a pure lie.

"The boy has been working for this for five years since he joined the programme. Finance cannot play the decisive role."

New Williams looks 'cool and agressive' - Sirotkin

Rotenberg says SMP Racing's financial backing will "go to the development of the car", a perfectly reasonable usage of the funding.

"Naturally there are costs. Motor sport is not cheap. It is not a toy for me to amuse myself," he said.

Rotenberg also denied there would be any hierarchy at Williams between Sirotkin and Lance Stroll, perhaps incited by the latter's powerful father, Lawrence Stroll.

"I don't think so," he answered. "It is clear that although they are one team, on the track it is every man for himself.

Finally, the Russian mogul revealed the precept which should guide Sirotkin at every race this year.

"I have told him that every race should be regarded as his last, even if we will be there helping to make the Williams car go faster," said Rotenberg.

Hopefully, Sergey's determined "do-or-die" approach to F1 will provide us with some entertaining moments this season...

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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.