Sirotkin hopeful his work will help Williams return to the top

It is with no small measure of sadness when any driver leaves a team for pastures new at the end of the season. That certainly can be said of the likeable Sergey Sirotkin, who leaves Williams after the team announced Robert Kubica will partner George Russell next season.

To his great credit, and typical of his character, Sirotkin holds no grudge, instead taking positives from his time with Williams and pride in the fact that he is helping the team with its goal of returning to the front end of the grid.

“It’s been a tough year, but I’ve also had moments that have been great to be a part of and have enjoyed and to probably be a part of being a successful team next year,” said Sirotkin at an Acronis partner event. “Unfortunately, I won’t be able to see but it’s something that you will see, believe me. All I can say is I wish the guys all the best because I know how hard they’ve been working.”

Sirotkin, who has played a key role in developing the car to ensure success returns to Williams sooner rather than later, has certainly not given up hopes of returning to the sport at some point.

“I hope so, for sure. This is the target, and this is what we will be working on. I really hope to be back here one day. I think I have a lot more to show and obviously this year I could not do that. It’s super early but I really hope to come back but how far away this target is, I’m not sure yet.”

For the humble Sirotkin, there was one more job left to do over the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix weekend. As ever, he gave it his all, running the longest first stint of any driver in the field and piloting his steed to the chequered flag.

A loyal servant to the Williams cause, nobody would be in the least bit surprised to see him back on the F1 grid in the future.