Kubica to leave Williams at end of 2019 season

Robert Kubica and Williams have announced that the Polish driver will leave the team at the end of the current Formula 1 season.

The 2008 Canadian Grand Prix winner returned from career-threatening injuries to drive for the team this season following a year as reserve driver.

In a statement released by the team, Kubica said: “I would like to thank the team for the last two years and for helping make my comeback to the Formula One grid possible. I have enjoyed my time with ROKiT Williams Racing, both as Reserve & Development Driver and as a Race Driver this year, but I feel that the time is now right for me to move on to the next chapter in my career.”

Deputy Team Principal Claire Williams added: “I would like to thank Robert for his hard work and respect his decision to leave the team at the end of the 2019 season. Robert has been an important member of the team in both his role as Reserve & Development Driver, and subsequently as one of our Race Drivers in 2019. We thank him for his continued efforts throughout what has been a challenging couple of seasons and wish him well in his future endeavours.”

Kubica has often been outperformed by rookie teammate George Russell this season, being outqualified by the Briton at all races so far, and finishing ahead of last year’s F2 champion at just two races – although his 10th place at Hockenheim gives the team its only points finish of the campaign.

Audi recently revealed it had held talks with the former BMW Sauber and Renault driver about a DTM drive, while Kubica confirmed at this afternoon’s Singapore Grand Prix press conference that he isn’t ruling out F1 options.

Williams have said they will reveal their 2020 driver “in due course”, although Russell recently confirmed he’ll be continuing with the team next season having signed a multi-year contract. F2 title contender Nicholas Latifi is the team’s current test and reserve driver, and performed well during Friday practice with Williams earlier this season, making him the likely replacement for Kubica, while Nico Hulkenberg is also set to be without a drive after missing out on the Haas vacancy.