Russian driver Sergey Sirotkin got his first taste of the world of Formula 1 as he toured the Sauber factory in Switzerland on Wednesday.
The 17-year-old, who is being lined up as a possible driver next season as part of a Russian investment deal, underwent a seat fitting for his upcoming F1 debut.
Sirotkin will get behind the wheel of Sauber’s demo car on September 27th in Sochi, Russia, where he will drive around parts of the new circuit.
“My visit to the Sauber F1 Team headquarters was busy. I learned a lot about the team and many other things,” he said.
“I had a seat fitting, met the engineers and learned about the car and what happens over a race weekend. I also had a lesson with the steering wheel.
“I am happy because, if you had told me six months ago that one day I would visit this workshop and meet this team, I would have never believed you. It’s great. The dream is so close to becoming reality now.”
Team principal Monisha Kaltenborn added: “We are proud to be doing the demo run next month. It will be a historical moment when a Russian driver drives a Formula One car for the first time at the track in Sochi.”