Don't count Robert Kubica out of the running at Williams for 2019 as the Polish driver could soon receive some lavish financial support to help his cause with the Grove-based outfit.
According to Russian daily Sport Express, Polish oil company PKN Orlen could back Kubica to the tune of $10 million in 2019, giving the 33-year-old an opportunity to compete with incumbent Sergey Sirotkin for a race seat at Williams alongside new recruit George Russell.
A spokesperson for PKN Orlen confirmed that a meeting took place earlier this week in Warsaw between Kubica and the oil company's CEO Daniel Obajtek.
"At this stage it is too early to talk about a potential cooperation or any of the details," said the company.
"At the same time we confirm that a meeting between the president of the PKN Orlen management board, Daniel Obajtek, and Robert Kubica, did take place."
There are obviously no guarantees that Kubica's efforts will be successful, but the Pole will give it his best shot.
"I am calm. I can only thank my fans for supporting me," he said.
"Let's hope we'll see each other next year, but it's not like I will stop smiling. I don't know what will happen but I can say I'm working on it," he added.
Gallery: The beautiful wives and girlfriends of F1 drivers
Keep up to date with all the F1 news via Facebook and Twitter
