Stroll and Sirotkin, youth in the service of history at Williams
Williams has gambled on youth and inexperience to start the 2018 season. The FW41 presented today will therefore be entrusted to the hands of Lance Stroll and Sergey Sirotkin, who will be tasked with making the British team's myth shine in Formula 1.
With only one season to his name, Lance Stroll will be the most experienced driver at Williams this year. After receiving numerous criticisms during the first half of the season, the Canadian held his head high starting from his opportunistic podium in Baku.
But despite his inexperience, Stroll will take his logical role as a leader very seriously this year: « Before each new season, there is a lot of anticipation and unanswered questions, which makes the moment even more exciting. After a season of experience with the team, I can’t wait to get back on track and see what the new car looks like. Until we are racing, we won’t know what the competition has done, but I am very excited and optimistic about the car the team has designed. Last year was a steep learning curve for me, and now I am eager to see what 2018 will bring me. »
On his side, Sergey Sirotkin is going to discover Formula 1 as a full-time driver. The 22-year-old Russian driver prepared during the winter to face his first season in the premier discipline of auto racing: « I am really excited before the season. I spent a lot of time at the factory, I almost live there now, which is a great source of motivation for me and for everyone around the factory. It was a great pleasure to start working really with all the mechanics and engineers, and it’s going well. I trained hard and have been regularly in the simulator, going through different setups with the car, on different tracks, seat adjustments and also a lot of engineering meetings and factory visits to meet everyone. I feel good with all the guys from the different departments. It’s a very busy period, but I really enjoy it. I am preparing for the season in the best way possible. »
To support this young duo, Williams can also count on Robert Kubica who is making his return to the paddock. Without a doubt, the Pole will jump at any chance to get back on track this year: « I am back in Formula 1 in a different role than when I was racing in 2011, but I am permanently back in the paddock so I am eager to be there. It will be interesting to return to some of the places I have been before, some of them providing different emotions depending on the moments of my life. Sometimes, it can be quite difficult to watch others race, but I have a different role this year. For sure, the season will be tough with a lot of races and work. I must be at my best. »
