Sergey Sirotkin 'stronger' performer than Kubica - Sirotkin Sr

Sergey Sirotkin was a 'stronger' performer than Robert Kubica in qualifying testing and racing mode testing and deserved the 2018 Williams seat ahead of the more experienced Polish driver, according to Sirotkin's own father, Oleg Sirotkin, who is believe to have bankrolled the campaign for his son to gain the seat.

Kubica has been aiming to make a Formula One comeback ever since suffering a career-threatening injury during a rally car race which cost him part of his forearm. He has recently tested for both Williams and Renault and was thought to be the front runner for the 2018 seat with the former.

However, Sirotkin emerged as a surprise candidate for the role and eventually claimed the spot. Various figures in F1 have suggested that the 22-year-old only won ahead of Kubica because of the financial backing he received, but his father thinks it was all due to talent and ability.

"Sergey proved to be stronger than Kubica in testing, both in qualifying and racing mode," Sirotkin Sr told the Tass news agency.

"Sergey was also tested on the simulator where he demonstrated very good knowledge. He gives feedback above the level of other young drivers before him,"

With Sirotkin at 22 and Lance Stroll at just 19-years-old, Williams have the youngest team on the circuit, but Oleg Sirotkin insists the aim will be to consolidate on the team's fifth position from last year.

"The task is to keep the team's fifth position, because the situation is now more complicated," said Oleg.

"McLaren is going to Renault engines and they have always produced one of the best chassis. Renault has been preparing its car for this season for about two years, so they will also be faster, so the competitors will be Force India, Renault and McLaren.

"I think Williams has good potential for growth.

"Yes, they have young drivers now, but in a year or two they will be even stronger."