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Formula One: Sergey Sirotkin confirmed at Williams Racing

By Alex Herbst

BUDAPEST, HUNGARY - JULY 27: Sergey Sirotkin of Russia and Renault Sport F1 looks on in the Paddock during previews ahead of the Formula One Grand Prix of Hungary at Hungaroring on July 27, 2017 in Budapest, Hungary. (Photo by Dan Mullan/Getty Images)
BUDAPEST, HUNGARY - JULY 27: Sergey Sirotkin of Russia and Renault Sport F1 looks on in the Paddock during previews ahead of the Formula One Grand Prix of Hungary at Hungaroring on July 27, 2017 in Budapest, Hungary. (Photo by Dan Mullan/Getty Images) /
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After months of speculation, Williams Martini Racing have confirmed their lineup for the 2018 Formula One season, adding Sergey Sirotkin to their team.

The final domino in the Formula One grid for the 2018 campaign has now fallen. Williams Martini Racing were the last team remaining to confirm their lineup for the upcoming year, with much of the discussion over the last month surrounding just two drivers – Robert Kubica and Sergey Sirotkin. The longtime privateer team have now confirmed the latter, with Sirotkin set to contest his rookie season alongside Lance Stroll.

Williams will certainly have a much younger look to the team, with first-year driver Sirotkin now partnering with second-year driver Stroll. Despite not earning a seat with the team on the grid, Robert Kubica will be a part of Williams in a different role. He will take on the responsibility of being the team’s test and reserve driver for the 2018 season, replacing the outgoing Paul di Resta.

Sirotkin had this to say about the opportunity to join the historic Williams operation, according to Racer.com:

"To say I’m happy and proud to join such a famous team like Williams is an understatement. It took a huge amount of work to get where I am, and I’m really happy and thankful to everyone involved. The result of our combined efforts has helped me achieve my dream, and rest assured the team can rely on me to deliver my best."

Deputy team principal Claire Williams described the process of selecting Sirotkin for the 2018 seat, according to Racer.com:

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"After an extensive driver evaluation process, I am thrilled to have our 2018 line-up finalized, and I’m excited to see what next season brings. We have taken our time to evaluate all the available options, and I’m confident Lance and Sergey can deliver the best results for the team.The Williams philosophy has always been to promote and develop young talent and Sergey fits right into that ethos. Lance has had a record-breaking debut season, and with a year now under his belt, he will be ready to hit the ground running in 2018. We have a talented driver line-up for 2018, that we are confident will deliver some exciting results for the team."

Sirotkin will have an uphill battle in 2018 with learning the ropes of Formula One. While Stroll will be expected to carry the banner for Williams in the new year, the question will become if this team of youngsters can contend for podiums and even victories.

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How do you think Sergey Sirotkin will perform in 2018 with Williams? Will he outpace his fellow young teammate Lance Stroll or will he struggle to adapt to the top of the world championship ladder?

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