Formula 1 | Minardi against the tide: "Sirotkin is a very fast driver, happy with his promotion"

Among the many "controversial" rumors that are accompanying the arrival of Sergey Sirotkin in Formula One, Giancarlo Minardi wanted to speak out in favor of the young Russian talent, underlining how Sergey is a very fast driver who deserves a seat in the Circus. Sirotkin, we remember, grew professionally in AutoGP, a series followed closely by the Italian "talent scout".

Despite the numerous criticisms advanced in recent days, Sirotkin can boast very positive "feedback", given that in 2015 and 2016 he achieved excellent results in Formula 2, finishing both seasons in third place in the general classification. Not a bad haul for a rider considered only for his "suitcase". Regret certainly remains for Robert Kubica's failure to return (Minardi, among other things, also points the finger at Lawrance Stroll.ed.), but the Russian's leadership will certainly have to be kept an eye on for the next championship.

Here are Minardi's words: “Robert's return would have been a beautiful fairy tale, but with Sirotkin-Stroll Williams will form the youngest pairing on the grid. An idea that looks above all to the future. I had the chance to closely follow Sergey's debut in the world of single-seaters. He is very fast, although he has gotten into several accidents. If on the one hand I am sorry for Robert, a driver who would have deserved another chance, on the other hand I am pleased to see a young man who grew up in our championships in Formula 1."

“Kubica would have been a technical choice for Williams, acceptable, but the economic factor prevailed. There could also be the hand of dad Stroll, who would have preferred to have a young rookie alongside his son rather than an expert driver who did very well during the tests" he concluded.

Roberto Valenti