Sirotkin clings to his dream: 'I can't quit like that'

©WRI

Sergey Sirotkin will be out of F1 at the end of the day, but it will be unfinished business as far as the Russian driver is concerned.

The announcement this week of the return to the fray of Robert Kubica has knocked Sirotkin out of Williams after a single year, and with no place to go on the F1 grid for the 23-year-old.

Sirotking will retain the backing of SMP racing in 2019 although where and when that support will be involved is unknown. An endeavor into the WEC could be possible but the Russian insists his priority in the future will remain Formula 1.

"There are no plans yet," he said in Abu Dhabi.

"As for the WEC, I do not know. The priority is Formula 1. I have not finished everything here and honestly, knowing what I can do and what I couldn't do for objective reasons, I can't quit like that.

"We are working on it, and I don't know what the options are, but I am sure there will be opportunities. But I will fight for a return in 2020," he added.

Despite his ousting from Williams, a dignified Sirotkin hopes the Grove-based outfit will improve its performance next season and move up the grid.

"I hope they improve," said the Russian, who will line up alongside team mate Lance Stroll on the last row of Sunday's Abu Dhabi GP grid.

"I gave a lot to this team and their success and the smiles on their faces would mean a lot to me.

"I am sorry I will not be there with them, but with all my heart I wish them the best. I know how much they deserve it."

Gallery: The beautiful wives and girlfriends of F1 drivers

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