Kubica admits many are jumping ship at Williams

©WRI

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Robert Kubica is committed to his Williams drive for 2019, but the F1 returnee admits his team is facing many staff departures.

Last week, the Polish driver finally sealed a sensational return to the pinnacle of motorsport after a seven-year absence when he was nominated by Williams to race alongside George Russell.

While gyrations among staff isn't unusual for F1 teams during the winter break, Kubica has noted a high level of exits at Grove at a time when the team crucially needs to turn its fortunes around after a dismal couple of seasons.

"It’s not an easy period because many people are leaving," Kubica said.

"And it’s difficult to find good employees when they see that the team does not have a fast car. Most people have a passion and want to work in the best teams."

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The 33-year-old also admitted he was in the dark as to the identity of his 2019 race engineer, something he was hoping would be defined by now in order for him to get acquainted with the person that will be guiding his efforts next season.

"This was one of the main topics before signing the contract," he added.

“But I have not received an answer yet. I tried to find out this weekend so that I can work with this person in the tests, because it’s already time to start working well."

©Williams

Beyond the team's restructuring, Kubica isn't expecting any miracles at the outset when Williams lines up on the grid in Melbourne in over three months' time.

"I’ve been in the paddock too long to be concerned about a car that will only be on the track at the end of February. Because it will change nothing," he added.

"In 2008, in BMW, we were missing four seconds in the tests but in two months we turned the situation around. Williams is in a different situation to that.

"There will not be such miracles. I approach next season very realistically.

"If we are in eighth or ninth place in Australia, it will be very good. But it is not up to me to set such goals."

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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.