Sirotkin heads to the WEC, but F1 still on the agenda

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Ex-Williams driver Sergey Sirotkin will be handed a few LMP1 WEC outings with SMP Racing in 2019, but the Russian isn't giving up on his hopes of returning to F1 in the future.

The 23-year-old, who has been replaced at Williams by returnee Robert Kubica, would join SMP Racing's line-up as soon as Sebring in March where Sirotkin would replace regular driver Jenson Button who has committed to a Super Gt round in japan on the same weekend.

"WEC is not even an option, it is almost an obligation," Sirotkin told Motorsport.com. "I can almost guarantee you that you’ll see me racing in WEC next year.

"I think it is clear for which team and in which car. Maybe even from Sebring onwards, and Le Mans for sure."

The real reason behind Sirotkin's departure from Williams

While he keeps himself active in the WEC, Sirotkin's ultimate aim is to return to Formula 1.

The Russian has been tipped for a testing and simulator role with Ferrari, but securing a race seat for 2020 is his ultimate ambition.
"Now we are trying to collect all the options, but I think there will be no specifics in the next two weeks," Sirotkin said.

"If there is something, then at best it will be after the New Year holidays."

For Sirotkin, who scored just a single point in his rookie year in Grand prix racing but held his own against team mate Lance Stroll, Formula 1 is clearly unfinished business.

"Certainly it was a difficult experience, but it made me stronger," said Sirotkin about his evioction from Williams.

"I have a clear understanding that, for objective reasons, I didn't show everything that I could have shown. But I also have a clear awareness that everything is not finished for me in Formula 1.

"I don't want to give up in any way. I really hope that in a year I will return to the starting grid and prove that it was the right decision to come to formula one," he added.

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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.