Kubica won't wait indefinitely on Williams decision for 2019

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Robert Kubica is still targeting a race seat with Williams for 2019, but the Pole insists he won't wait beyond the next month for the team's decision on its future driver line-up.

Williams is patiently weighing its options for next year, with reports suggesting that Mercedes-supported drivers Esteban Ocon and George Russell are being considered for a 2019 seat.

The Grove-based outfit will see Lance Stroll leave to join Force India, but the fate of team mate Sergey Sirotkin and his financial backing from Russian financial institution SMP is still unknown.

"There is no agreement for next season, first we are still in this season," SMP boss Boris Rotenberg told Russia's Tass in Sochi last weekend.

Defiant Williams insists team will have a 'healthy budget' for 2019

Kubica, who was handed a development role this season with Williams, could not offer any insight into his situation with the team but the Pole did say he would likely not accept another year on the sidelines.

"I don't want to be in a situation like last year," the Pole told Eleven Sports.

"Everyone should have their deadline and their honour. There is no decision yet, but it should be quite soon. I will not wait until December."

Kubica's ambition is to secure a full-time racing programme next season, even if it means moving on from F1.

"The situation when it comes to F1 is not easy, but there are also opportunities to be somewhere else. For me it's quite transparent," he said.

"I am waiting but if nothing happens, I will make my own decision."

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.