Sergey Sirotkin will not be racing in Formula 1 next year, as Williams announced their driver line up today, with Robert Kubica set to make a fairy tale return to the grid next year.
Kubica’s return was on the cards, with reports all over suggesting that an announcement was just round the corner.
Williams released the official confirmation in Abu Dhabi today, with Kubica overjoyed by his return to the sport after suffering that terrible rally accident in 2011.
But while the F1 world rejoiced Kubica’s return, there was the matter of Sirotkin leaving F1 as well.
Sirotkin had raced all season like a complete professional, giving his best shot with a below par Williams car.
While he couldn’t really catch the eye of an average F1 fan, he did put in some very commendable drives all through the 2018 season.
Sergey Sirotkin's backer SMP racing says it took the decision not to carry on with the team for 2019, saying it was "unpleasantly surprised" by the team's performance and development rate https://t.co/JT9rW5Dds1
— Autosport (@autosport) November 22, 2018
Now, with Russell and Kubica announced as the 2019 Williams drivers, Sirotkin has been forced out and will have to find shelter elsewhere.
It will be interesting to see what the future holds for Sirotkin but for the time being we’ll have to bid the Russian goodbye.
Will Buxton came up with a brilliant tweet for Sirotkin.
“Alongside the incredible comeback story of Robert Kubica, share a thought for this guy. He’s been brilliant this year. Criminally underrated with performances that have been woefully under reported. Go well Sergey Sirotkin. You’ve been a bloody warrior this year.” Buxton tweeted.
Alongside the incredible comeback story of Robert Kubica, share a thought for this guy. He’s been brilliant this year. Criminally underrated with performances that have been woefully under reported. Go well @sirotkin_sergey. You’ve been a bloody warrior this year. https://t.co/hvkH0KtI8d
— Will Buxton (@wbuxtonofficial) November 22, 2018
“Dear friends, unfortunately, I won’t be racing in Formula 1 next year.” Sirotkin tweeted.
Дорогие друзья, к большому сожалению, в следующем году я не буду выступать в Формуле 1.
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Dear friends, unfortunately, I won’t be racing in Formula 1 next year.#SMPRacing #WeAreRacing #F1 #AbuDhabiGP 🇦🇪 pic.twitter.com/YNoshHXVn3— Sirotkin Sergey (@sirotkin_sergey) November 22, 2018
Do you see Sirotkin returning to Formula 1 in the future?