Robert Kubica says the decision not to stay with Williams for 2020 was his call, following Thursday’s announcement of his impending exit.
Kubica joined Williams for 2018 as its test and reserve driver and this year stepped up to a race seat, ending an eight-year absence from the grid.
However, Kubica has struggled for pace – despite scoring Williams’ sole 2019 point in Germany – with his own plight accentuated by the team’s lack of performance from its recalcitrant FW42.
“This is a decision which I took and opens a bit opportunities for the future in different scenarios and now I will evaluate what is possible,” he said.
“I always said that I took a lot of energy, a lot of time for me to recover and come back to the sport and join back in F1. I would like to stay.
“I said this year would be the goal to remain in F1. Of course, my answer would be yes but not for every cost.
“I think I have to first of all what will bring me back a bit of joy in racing, of course, this season has been very tough from a performance point of view but it has also been very demanding being back in F1 after a long time, it’s not easy.
“Especially when we are in the difficult situation we are in but nevertheless I have to thank the team for the opportunity and we will see what the future will bring.”
Kubica’s sponsor, PKN Orlen, will also follow the Pole out of Williams. When asked whether he could be proud of his comeback, Kubica said: “I’m not really a guy which is proud but for sure it’s been a long journey so it always the same story, nothing has changed.
“It has been extremely hard for me but nevertheless I still think I made the right decision.
“Everybody, myself and Williams, are on the same boat and we would appreciate better results and better performance this year and an easier life, because in the end, it is a very tough and difficult season for everyone in Williams.
“I just have to move forward and that’s how it is. This is the outcome and the reason I took the decision.”
