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Williams denies Kubica could be replaced mid-season

Published on 11 Jul 2019 16:18
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By: Fergal Walsh

Williams deputy team principal Claire Williams affirms that there are no plans to replace Robert Kubica before the end of the 2019 season.

Rumours in recent weeks have suggested that the Pole could be heading for an early exit amid the current difficulties Williams finds itself in.

MORE: Rokit extends title sponsor deal with Williams until 2023 | Kubica: Risks for last place are different to other positions

However, Williams has moved to deny the suggestions that it could bring in another driver in place of Kubica, who is racing in F1 this year for the first time since 2010.

"I find speculation quite frustrating because unless you actually know on the inside, you don’t know what’s going on,” Williams said.

“Our relationship with Robert is as strong as it was. He’s getting his head down and he's doing what he needs to do, and we’re trying to do everything that we can to give him a better car so that he can perform at the level he wants to.

“As far as I’m concerned, there are no frustrations from our side. I’m sure he has a level of frustration because he doesn’t have the equipment that he would like at the moment."

Williams has started thinking about 2020 line-up

Williams confirmed that the team has started to think about its potential line-up for 2020, but says that no decision is yet to be taken until the third quarter of the year.

“We’re only halfway through the season, so it’s a little early for us to start thinking about 2020 and the driver line-up for next year.

"We have started to think about it, but we’re in no position to be making any final decisions yet, and that probably won’t come until the third quarter of this year.

“There is no thought about replacing Robert at all during the season. Absolutely not.”

Kubica has failed to match teammate George Russell at Williams, who is taking part in his rookie season in F1 following his Formula 2 championship success in 2018.

calle.itw

Posts: 8,527

Honestly, it might be for the best. He just doesn't shine, and I hate seeing this going on. This isn't The Kubica driving, this is a different Kubica who, regardless of skill, will likely never be able to perform the way he did due to his handicap. And it sucks. I wish we could've attributed it t... [Read more]

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Jul 11 2019 - 17:36

F1 News Robert Kubica Williams

Replies (5)

f1fan0101

Posts: 1,804
On one hand, I hope not. But he hasn't performed...
- + 0
- Jul 11 2019 - 17:20
- calle.itw
  
  Posts: 8,527
  Honestly, it might be for the best. He just doesn't shine, and I hate seeing this going on. This isn't The Kubica driving, this is a different Kubica who, regardless of skill, will likely never be able to perform the way he did due to his handicap. And it sucks. I wish we could've attributed it to worse equipment or something, but that just doesn't seem to be.
  + 1
  
  Jul 11 2019 - 17:36
BobTheOilGuy

Posts: 15
Former F1 Lotus Boss Matthew Carter: "Kubica is doing good job, I also believe Kubica's and Russell's cars are very, very different..."
- + 0
- Jul 11 2019 - 19:00
siggy74

Posts: 194
Its more a case of the car is to slow and, does`nt allow Robert to drive as he would like or he could.

Seems to be a lot of compromise in his style of driving, which yes as others have said" is in part to his injury"

We all can see that this year is gone, and its pretty much looking like the UK euro-vision song contest result,lol = Nil pou williams

Robert could be valuable in the feedback on the car problems with Russell, just needs an x Mclaren guy to join thats left this year ;p
- + 0
- Jul 11 2019 - 20:12
Pistonhead

Posts: 556
Must be difficult for RK, he's been comprehensively outperformed by Russell in the first half - Williams presumably need the millions he is bringing into the team so I don't see a change this year. For Williams like a few our teams, its all about surviving now until the budget cuts take over. It will be largely their legacy if that comes to pass - keep it up Williams !
- + 0
- Jul 12 2019 - 07:07