Williams delay driver decision until January

There will be an agonising wait over Christmas for Robert Kubica, Sergey Sirotkin & Daniil Kyvat after Williams made the decision to wait until next year before announcing who will replace Felipe Massa and partner Lance Stroll for the 2018 F1 season.

Massa's retirement announcement before the Brazilian Grand Prix started the rumour mill for who could potentially replace him for 2018, with Paul Di Resta and Kubica among the first candidates.

Kubica carried out regular testing for Williams though there has been regular doubt cast over his ability to compete at the highest level, with commentators citing a long-standing hand and arm injury sustained in a rally crash in 2011 as a blocker to the Pole being at the top of his game.

Recently it appeared that Sirotkin, who allegedly has a significant sponsor backing his push for the seat, was all be confirmed, but the recent simulator testing from Kyvat, who was released by Red Bull stable Toro Rosso in October, suggests that he is also in the frame, too.

The lack of certainty suggests that Williams are looking to buy more time before having to make an official announcement, and a source confirmed on Friday that the team would be waiting until January before confirming their selection.

The empty seat is the only one left to be filled before the 2018 season begins.