Robert Kubica felt let down by Williams after certain decisions taken by the team without making him aware in F1 Japanese GP.
The F1 Japanese GP weekend at Suzuka was another to forget for Williams, after they finished 18th and 19th with George Russell ahead of Kubica. The Polish driver left Suzuka most disappointed when the sun set on ‘Super Sunday’.
Kubica started the weekend strongly with the new front wing fitted to his car as Williams brought updates, which they wish to use in 2020. It is not clear if the idea was it to be used in the qualifying and or the race but Williams decided not to as they will continue with its evaluation in Mexico GP as well.
This surprised Kubica after he had a heavy crash on Sunday morning in Q1. The team managed to repair the car for a pitlane start but post-race, Kubica felt let down by the team as he suggested the decision to not use the front wing, wasn’t told to him.
“The guys did an amazing job with the repair,” he told F1 media channel. “They are really good people, so I really appreciate their job as a lot depends on them. We are trying to do our best but overall after Russia which was a pretty disappointing Sunday, I was looking forward to Japan on Friday and I tried few items which worked pretty well.
“But apparently I found out this morning that I would not be able to use them. I think after a disappointing in Russia, I felt like I was let down quite a lot without even making me aware of some things. I just feel disappointed.
“Unfortunately, I made a mistake with a lot of stuff contributing to this but I think the main reason is that sometimes you need to realise that this is not easy sport, especially in these conditions and driver confidence is very important.
“I think we could handle some situations and decisions in a better way.” Things hasn’t been smooth ever since Kubica announced his departure from the team. His sponsor PKN ORLEN even requested Williams for explanation regarding Russian GP retirement.
On the other side of the Williams garage, the lack of pace was evident albeit for different reasons as Russell struggled with brakes during the grand prix. “Qualifying was one of the best of the year [but] the race was one of the worst of the year,” said Russell said.
“It was an incredibly tricky race for us. We had some brake issues throughout which made it quite difficult. It was definitely one of the tougher races of the season. I have mixed feelings, but I can be satisfied, waking up this morning I felt fresh and I did the job.”
Here’s how the F1 Japanese GP panned out
Sebastian Vettel on his mistake and FIA’s clarification
Valtteri Bottas admits about concerns he had of Lewis Hamilton not pitting
Williams explains Russian GP DNFs after Kubica’s sponsor call
The story was written by Duncan Leahy and edited by Darshan Chokhani