Russell ill in Abu Dhabi, Williams assessing potential replacement

Williams is unsure if George Russell will be fit to race at this weekend's Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, and is believed to have Sergey Sirotkin on standby to step in if needed.

Sirotkin raced for the Williams team in 2018 alongside Lance Stroll, competing the entire season before leaving and rejoining Renault as a reserve driver this year.

Sirotkin also holds a reserve role with McLaren. He last raced in F1 12 months ago, at the 2018 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

However, he could potentially make his return this weekend alongside Robert Kubica, as Russell is reportedly under the weather ahead of the last race of the season.

Russell went for a check on Friday morning and was given the all-clear to take part in the opening practice session. 

It is believed that Esteban Ocon was the first choice to come in for a seat fitting, however there were complications with the procedure before Sirotkin had a more successful seat fitting.

Nicholas Latifi, who will race full-time with Williams next year, is not an option for the team, as he is concentrating on his Formula 2 event, while there are also limitations on what he is allowed to take part in this year due to superlicense rules.  

Replies (2)

Login to reply
  • Maybe time to introduce your overpaying amateur spare part what is Latifi. In fact, maybe you should marry Latifi since you love him so much. Do you want to marry Latifi, Williams? Well I WON'T LET YOU! How does That feel? About as nice as seeing you suffer, I guess... Rant over...

    • + 0
    • Nov 29 2019 - 12:21
  • MarkZ

    Posts: 31

    Okaaaaay

    • + 0
    • Nov 29 2019 - 13:21

AZ Azerbaijan Grand Prix

Local time 

AZAzerbaijan Grand Prix

Local time 

Test calendar

See full test schedule

World Championship standings 2026

Show full world champion standings

Related news

Give your opinion!

Will Bottas challenge Hamilton for the world championship in 2020?

Formula 1 Calendar - 2026

Date
Grand Prix
Circuit
-
Spain
-
Bahrain
-
Bahrain
6 - Mar 8
Australia
13 - Mar 15
China
27 - Mar 29
Japan
10 - Apr 12
Bahrain
17 - Apr 19
Saudi Arabia
1 - May 3
United States of America
22 - May 24
Canada
5 - Jun 7
Monaco
12 - Jun 14
Spain
See full schedule

Formula 1 Calendar - 2026

Date
Grand Prix & Circuit
6 - Mar 8
Australia Albert Park
13 - Mar 15
27 - Mar 29
10 - Apr 12
17 - Apr 19
Saudi Arabia Jeddah Street Circuit
1 - May 3
United States of America Miami International Autodrome
22 - May 24
5 - Jun 7
Monaco Monte Carlo
12 - Jun 14
See full schedule

Driver profile

  • Team Mercedes
  • Points 1,083
  • Podiums 26
  • Grand Prix 154
  • Country GB
  • Date of b. Feb 15 1998 (28)
  • Place of b. King's Lynn, GB
  • Weight 70 kg
  • Length 1.85 m
Show full profile

Team profile

Show full profile
show sidebar