Kubica: Williams taking decisions without telling me
Robert Kubica has vented his frustration at Williams for “decisions taken before qualifying without even letting me know” as his time at the British squad begins to end on a bitter note.
Robert Kubica has vented his frustration at Williams for “decisions taken before qualifying without even letting me know” as his time at the British squad begins to end on a bitter note.
While the Polish driver has struggled all season in an uncompetitive Williams, Kubica’s annoyances with the team have grown in recent weeks after when he was ordered to retire from the Russian Grand Prix in order to preserve parts for future races - a move which was questioned by one of his main sponsors leading to an official response from the team.
Kubica crashed out of qualifying at the Japanese Grand Prix with Williams repairing his car in a rapid turnaround after qualifying had been pushed back to Sunday morning due to the typhoon which hit the region on Saturday.
But Kubica’s F1 car was reverted back to a previous specification, including an older front wing, despite both the Polish driver and teammate George Russell trying out the team’s new specification front wing during practice on Friday at Suzuka.
The 34-year-old praised his Williams team for fixing his car in time for the race but couldn’t hide his frustrations at team decisions apparently being made without his input.
“The race was difficult, as you could expect, the guys did an amazing job, not the first time this year, and it’s really amazing what they are doing with what we have,” Kubica said.
“I think in difficult period we all try to do our best and it’s amazing how in such a difficult year they are still able to don’t give up, as we all try to do, but unfortunately I have mixed feelings about this weekend.
“We started this morning before getting into the car, so yep, after disappointing Russia race there were decisions taken before qualifying without even letting me know, and I think this is not the right way.
“I was hoping after disappointing Russia we would be here everyone to try and do our best and this is what we try and do on Friday, and actually Friday I end up with quite feelings but I think my feelings were probably too good.”
Kubica duly struggled in the race finishing in 19th place and two laps down on the leaders. Williams teammate Russell finished 18th and also two laps down.
