Robert Kubica explained that he almost crashed on the opening corner of the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, as his and Williams’ 2019 struggles continued.
Kubica started from the pit lane in the wake of a heavy crash during the closing stages of Q1, with Williams opting to make set-up changes that are not permitted under parc ferme conditions.
Kubica was handed a drive-through penalty after Williams sent him to the end of the pit lane nine minutes earlier than permitted, and he went on to classify a twice-lapped 16th.
“It wasn’t an easy race, I made it more complicated by putting the car on the wall [in qualifying],” he said.
“I was nearly on the wall already on the first braking [point], it was a good warning, unfortunately, I suffered all weekend with some issues on braking, the pedal of the car was pulling to one side.
“I got this big warning which was kind of a wake-up [call] and try to bring the car home, it wasn’t easy as I was following some cars on opening laps and it was not giving you at all confidence.
“With walls next to you and with poor grip, we are having it’s really uncomfortable to drive.
“We have to stay positive in the end and we managed to finish the race. It was a long race but thanks to all the team we were able to do it.”
Kubica added: “Of course on [Turn 8] I was a bit more careful than [in qualifying]!
“Probably I just forgot about some issues and tried to drive like I should but I paid a high price. I don’t know even how it’s possible I turned in so early – well I know but I couldn’t explain myself when I saw the car turning in so early.
“So yeah, that’s how it is, we have to make sure we at least make the car a bit more driveable and with less problems, which is fundamental, especially on this kind of track.”
Kubica remains last in the Drivers' Championship.
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