Williams reiterate strategic DNF for Kubica

Michelle Foster
Robert Kubica won't buy a red car, reminds him of Ferrari.

Robert Kubica won't buy a red car, reminds him of Ferrari.

Williams have reiterated Robert Kubica’s Russian GP retirement was a strategic call based on the “amount of accident damage” the team had sustained over the back-to-back races.

George Russell retired from the Sochi race with his Williams nose first in the barriers.

It was the Brit’s second retirement in succession having also crashed out of the Singapore Grand Prix when he tangled with Romain Grosjean.

Moments after Russell’s Russian GP retirement, Williams called Kubica into the pits, parking his FW42.

His sponsors weren’t impressed and took to social to demand an explanation.

“On connection with the withdrawal of Robert Kubica from Sunday’s Russian Grand Prix, we have officially asked the ROKiT Williams Racing team for clarification,” Orlen’s press officer, Joanna Zakrzewska said via Twitter.

“Based on them, we will take actions related to the enforcement of contractual obligations.”

At the time of Kubica’s retirement, Williams stated that they had parked the car to “conserve” parts, which senior race engineer Dave Robson has now reiterated to Reuters.

“Unfortunately, we were forced to retire Robert’s car due to the amount of accident damage we have sustained in the Singapore-Russia back-to-back races in order to protect ourselves going into the next events,” he said.

“The team has worked extremely hard to ensure race quantities have improved ahead of Japan and the final races.”

Kubica has announced he will be leaving Williams at the end of this season with the Pole linked to a test driver role at Haas or Racing Point.

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