Williams 'not ready' to make driver decision

Williams boss Claire Williams has insisted that current reserve driver Robert Kubica is on their list of candidates to partner George Russell for the 2019 Formula 1 campaign, but went on to confess that the team are "not ready" to make a final decision yet.

Williams are one of the few teams yet to officially confirm their driving line-up for next year, and are thought to be assessing the likes of Esteban Ocon, Kubica, and current driver Sergey Sirotkin for their second seat.

Lance Stroll is expected to join his father, Lawrence, at Force India following the businessman's takeover of the team in the summer.

Sirotkin has not impressed in his rookie season, and with his position under threat, Williams has not given much away as to the prime candidate should he be replaced.

"We have a shortlist and Robert is on it, as are several other talented drivers," Williams told Sportbox.

"Robert did a great job for the team this year, and he would be a fantastic teammate for George. But we are not yet ready to make a final decision."

However, after hearing of the comments from his team principal, Kubica insisted that he is not willing to wait until December to be offered a seat.

“If she said this, maybe it’s correct,” the Pole told Sky Sports.

“Time will show. Time is running, I don’t want to wait as it was last year. Hopefully, there will be some decisions earlier than it was [then].

“Of course, the target will be to be on the grid next year, but as I said, I cannot wait until December. The situation is quite clear, and we will see.

“I think the team is evaluating different scenarios, and they are right to do it. And I’m doing on my side some other stuff. So, we’ll see if there will be a common agreement or not.

“But as I said, I’m focused on let’s say seeing other opportunities, because I don’t want to find out myself in December or whenever it will be that it’s too late, and having nothing.”

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