Formula One: Williams delay driver announcement to 2018

Williams Martini Racing have delayed their announcement of their second driver for the 2018 Formula One season until the new year rings in.

The saga surrounding the second seat at Williams Martini Racing continues for the second offseason in succession. The legendary Formula One team are once again seeking to replace retiring driver Felipe Massa after he came back for the 2017 season following Valtteri Bottas moving to Mercedes AMG Petronas. Now, their decision for the upcoming 2018 season has been delayed into the new year.

According to a team spokesperson, and later reported by multiple sources, the team still remain somewhat divided over who to select for the open ride. Sergey Sirotkin has been reported as the favorite, bringing with him significant financial support from his home country of Russia. However, others still are hoping to bring Robert Kubica back to the sport, including team title sponsor Martini. The Italian vermouth maker desires a driver aged 25 or older in order to be part of their marketing campaigns.

The decision to delay the announcement of a second driver will have little to no impact on the silly season for other teams. With all other rides in Formula One confirmed for 2018, those in contention for the Williams seat who are not chosen could be considered for reserve roles at other teams. While Sirotkin and Kubica have been the top two targets for some time, others including Paul di Resta, Pascal Wehrlein, and Daniil Kvyat have been considered.

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Williams had previously planned to have their driver search wrapped up before the Christmas holiday. But now it appears the conversation will continue for some time after that. Lance Stroll, however, is certain to return to the team in 2018 and could be in the position of being the most senior driver just one full year into his Formula One career.

A pairing of Sirotkin and Stroll could make things difficult with the team’s title partner. With both being under 25, Martini may be inclined to reconsider their relationship with Williams. Depending on how their team contract is written, they could also consider ending their deal early, downgrading their sponsorship, or even moving to a competitor like McLaren or Renault.

Next: Way-Too-Early 2018 Driver Power Rankings

Stay tuned to Beyond The Flag throughout the remainder of the Formula One offseason for more on the race for the second Williams Racing seat, and other key developments from around the paddock.