Sirotkin secures swift F1 return

Sergey Sirotkin has secured a quick return to the Formula 1 merry-go-round after signing a deal with Renault to become the French squad's third and reserve driver. The Russian debuted in F1 with Williams last year, but finished bottom of the drivers' championship with a solitary point.

Sirotkin was perhaps one of the bigger victims of Williams' woeful 2018 campaign as his chances of impressing in his rookie year were hampered by a dreadful FW41.

However, close ties to Renault have come back to boost Sirotkin – he previously served as the team's reserve driver in the 2017 campaign.

Having been linked with the simulator role at Ferrari vacated by Daniil Kvyat – ultimately filled by Pascal Wehrlein and Brendon Hartley – Sirotkin is delighted to keep his toe dipped in the F1 pool.

"I am very pleased to rejoin my friends at Renault F1 Team and return to Formula 1," Sirotkin said.

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I am very pleased to rejoin the @RenaultF1Team as a reserve driver role in the 2019 season!#SMPRacing #RSspirit #F1 #Renault pic.twitter.com/4ev7j3uKxl — Sirotkin Sergey (@sirotkin_sergey) February 27, 2019

"We are well acquainted with the team, I spent the whole of 2017 in their factory and in the garage.

"It will be interesting to learn how far Renault has advanced in the development of the car over the past year; last season we were rivals and I could not see the work from the inside. I am pleased to join the team as Third & Reserve Driver and work alongside Nico Hulkenberg and Daniel Ricciardo."

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