Markelov to Williams? Or retirement?

It looks almost certain now that Lance Stroll will join Force India for the 2019 season, leaving behind a space at Williams. This seat is set to be hotly contested, with Robert Kubica looking the favourite right now, but with competition from Formula Two driver Artem Markelov.

Markelov is in his fifth year of F2, formerly known as GP2, and currently sits in fifth place after winning three races this season.

The 23-year old finished second to Charles Leclerc in 2017 and has now been linked with a move to Williams.

However, there is a stumbling block. Williams is reluctant to take on Markelov with Sergey Sirotkin still at the team, as they are backed by different Russian racing brands.

Markelov is backed by Russian Time, and Sirotkin, who is enduring a tough first season in the sport, is backed by SMP Racing.

Markelov said at Spa that he and Russian Time “still don’t know yet 100%” about where he will be next season.

He added: “Hopefully we'll get some possibilities to drive a Formula 1 car next year.

He also added that a sixth season in F1’s main feeder class is not an option.

Markelov described his 2019 options as “finishing or Formula One”.