Sergey Sirotkin says he has been preparing “in the best possible way” as he gets set to step up to Formula 1 full-time with Williams this year.
Sirotkin, having occupied a test role at Sauber across 2013/14, spent two years associated with Renault, conducting selected practice and test runs in 2016/17.
Having been unable to secure a seat with Renault, Sirotkin, third in GP2 in both 2015 and 2016, switched focus to Williams, and sampled the squad’s FW40 during post-season Abu Dhabi testing.
Sirotkin was ultimately given the nod over Robert Kubica for 2018 and will become the third Russian to race in Formula 1, after Vitaly Petrov and Daniil Kvyat.
“I feel really excited ahead of the season,” said Sirotkin, as Williams took the wraps off its FW41.
“I’ve spent a lot of time at the factory, I’m almost living there at the moment which has been great motivation for me and for all of the people around the factory.
“It’s been a big enjoyment to start working properly with all the mechanics and engineers, and it’s going well.
“I’ve been training hard and I’ve been in the simulator regularly, going through different set-ups with the car, different tracks, seat fittings and also a lot of engineering meetings and factory tours to meet everyone.
“I’ve been having fun with all the guys from different departments. It’s busy times, but I am really enjoying it. I’m getting ready for the season in the best possible way.”
Sirotkin will partner incumbent Lance Stroll, who placed 12th in last year’s championship, via a podium finish at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix.
“Ahead of every new season there is a lot of anticipation and unanswered questions and this makes it even more exciting,” said Stroll.
“With a season under my belt with the team, I can't wait to get back on track and see what the new car is like.
“Until we are on track we will not know what the competition has been doing, but I am very excited and optimistic about the car the team has built.
“Last year was a steep learning curve for me and now I can't wait to see what 2018 has in store.”
