Robert Kubica has admitted missing out on a race seat with Williams has been made "easier" given its current struggles amid a lack of performance from the FW41.
Williams' 2018 challenger has proven to be problematic for the team and its race drivers so far, with just four points to its name after Lance Stroll's solid run in Azerbaijan.
Kubica has made a handful of outings in the FW41 this season in his role as test and development driver, having spent the latter half of 2017 exploring the possibility of a full-time comeback, sampling machinery with Renault and Williams.
When asked by Motorsport Week if he would rather be in the car than on the sidelines, he said: "For sure, I would like to deny it, the fact is this is a great opportunity to live my passion and be in the paddock and to drive an F1 car.
"With the current regulation where there are such restrictions on testing, it's not easy.
"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.
"Last year the test gave me quite a lot of confidence, I was building up confidence and the comfort I can do it.
"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.
"But somehow 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, I accept it and 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."
Kubica's next outing in the FW41 is set to come at the post-race test in Hungary as he continues to chase a 2019 seat.
