Robert Kubica admits watching from the garage has been made “easier” by Williams’ lack of performance during the 2018 season.
The Pole missed out on a seat at the Grove-based team for this year as a strong test and bigger backing from Sergey Sirotkin ultimately swayed the team’s decision in the Russian’s favour.
However, the former BMW and Renault driver was still given a lifeline as reserve and development driver and has still been able to get on track with practice appearances in Spain and Austria.
“With the current regulation where there are such restrictions on testing, it’s not easy [to get a chance],” he told Motorsport Week.
“You don’t see many [test drivers] or none at all being so active in the car, so this is a great opportunity for me but for sure, once I realised I can do it and I felt I could race despite my limitations.”
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As it has turned out, the 33-year-old has been a bystander during Williams’ worst year in F1 as they sit bottom of the grid and the Constructors’ Championship with a car that is severely flawed in its design.
“Of course I’d prefer to be racing, but the fact is when you see the performance of the car it’s a bit easier to not race because if we were fighting for podiums or top positions then it would be harder to not race,” Kubica continued.
“It’s not a question of position, I would be lying if I said if I’m fine with it. I’m fine because in the end, once I decided to say yes to Williams’ offer, I knew where I was going and I think I have a professional approach and I try to help the team and I’m a part of the team and this is a good aspect.”
