Sirotkin doesn't give a hoot about 'pay driver' claims

Williams' new recruit Sergey Sirotkin is turning a deaf ear to those who claim he owes his seat at the Grove-based outfit to money.

The 22-year-old rookie secured his drive with Williams after displaying his talent at the post-season test in Abu Dhabi last year, where he edged out prospective candidate Robert Kubica.

But many believe the lavish funding enjoyed by the Russian thanks to long-time backers SMP Bank ultimately sealed the deal for Sirotkin.

"I do not pay attention to names like 'pay driver'," Sirotkin told Russian radio Sport FM.

"People write things but where do they get the information from?

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

"If you know something and can confirm it with facts, then please do," he said.

In the interview, Sirotkin also weighed in on Formula 1's controversial decision to eliminate the presence of grid girls in the sport, a move which, as a driver, is of no importance to him.

"When you sit on the grid, you're not thinking about the girls," said the Russian.

"If I had not been told about this news then I would not have even noticed.

"I can understand the position of both the opponents and the supporters of this decision, but I look at it from the professional point of view -- that it does not affect the drivers in any way."

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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.