Williams tester Robert Kubica has expressed confidence that the team can escape from its current malaise, pointing to its earlier form in Formula 1’s hybrid era.
Williams has slumped to the rear of the pack in 2018 and has taken only four points, leaving it 12 adrift of nearest opponent Sauber.
Williams claimed back-to-back third places in the Constructors’ Championship in 2014-15, scoring regular podiums and a pole position, and finished fifth in both 2016 and 2017.
Kubica, who joined Williams as a test/development driver for 2018, and has participated in test and practice sessions, underlined the strength of the team and its ability to bounce back.
“I think nobody was expecting Williams, which was a midfield team, to struggle so much,” Kubica said.
“I think nobody was expecting Sauber being really the slowest, weakest team last year, fighting for midfield position or going into Q3.
“So you know things can change very quickly in Formula 1. So I think it is unfair to put a sticker on Williams that it is the weakest team.
“It is true that it is the weakest team in this period, but if we say about next year, who knows?
“This team I think has potential and shown in the past that they can do a good job, that they can deliver a good car.
“And I don't think that in couple of months all the people become not capable of doing it.
“Of course there are things to be sorted, but this we keep internally and as every team in the paddock you can always improve.”
When asked how much Williams can improve this year, Kubica replied: “The fact is that you can do progress, but the others they are doing also progress.
“So even if we move forward or if will move forward it still depends a lot how the others will move forward. It is not the question of one week, you know.
“Of course, solving our issues will give us benefit on the performance. But sometimes it is taking a lot of time, so it is difficult situation.
“And I think realistically we will improve, but also the others will improve, so you never know when and how big progress you will do compared to the others.”
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