Russell shines in Kubica's Williams chassis
George Russell has some very bad news for his Williams teammate.
Prior to Barcelona, following steady complaints by Robert Kubica about differing equipment, the struggling team agreed to swap the pair's respective chassis.
Pole Kubica, having returned to F1 this year after an eight-year absence with permanent arm injuries, did not improve.
In fact, his qualifying deficit to Russell in qualifying was a huge 1.2 seconds.
"The changes that we are making are not giving us the results, so it is a bit confusing," said Kubica.
Reigning F2 champion Russell's feedback in Barcelona was very different, as he got closer to his rivals than ever before.
"I think we are going in the right direction," he said.
As for the swapped chassis, Russell's news for Kubica was even worse.
"After switching to Robert's chassis, I did not feel any difference," he told the Polish sports daily Przeglad Sportowy.
✅ Check out more posts with related topics:
Indeed, that is a bothering news. But it just remains unclear if he "did not improve" because of a "permanent arm injuries" or maybe he's less talented or "after an eight-year absence" he'd simply need to go couple of laps in some decent, predictable, aero-efficient and dependable racing machinery - just like George did for years back now - just to get used to in a proper way after such a long break...?
It's no secret that the pace is sh!tty and results are even worse, but Kubica's not an "I-think-Ericsson-hit-me" kind of guy, so please just mention about that next time making laugh of him.
By the way - it was a floor, not a chassis, that was questioned.
Not surprising really. I think kubica fans have been dreaming aince 2017. Renault tested him and wouldn't replace jolyon palmer with him. Williams needed the money. It's a feel good story so to speak. However the reality is he is not good enough, and after 5 races of ever worsening performances it is not likely that kubica has a place in f1. Williams are in a tough spot. They need the orlen money, but are basically running a 1 car team. Kubica is hopelessly unable to give any valuable feedback or lap consistently enough to evaluate new parts. That role is completely in the hands of Russell. He's doing great, but he could use a benchmark and a little relief.
Put Paul de Resta in the kubica car
Very sorry to say, but I believe Kubica should be in a lower category and be given the chance to race without having the spotlight and pressure on him. Then, if he improves through the year, give him another go in F1 next year. At the moment it is not good for anyone.