Kubica not willing to wait until December for 2019 F1 call

Robert Kubica says he “cannot wait” until after the 2018 Formula 1 season has finished before finalising his plans for 2019.

Kubica has made a number of test appearances for Williams in his development role with the Grove-based squad and is on the team’s shortlist for the sole-remaining 2019 seat alongside new recruit George Russell.

The 2008 Canadian Grand Prix winner has been targeting a remarkable comeback to the sport for over a year, having seen his promising single-seater career cut-short after sustaining severe arm injuries in a rally crash in 2011.

“Time is running [out]. I don’t want to wait like last year, hopefully we will get a decision earlier than it was,” Kubica told Sky Sports F1.

“The target will be to be on the grid next year but as I said I cannot wait until December.

“The team is evaluating different scenarios as they are right to do and I am doing all on my side if there will be a common agreement or not but I focus on seeing also other opportunities.

“I don’t want to find out myself in December or whenever it will be, it’s too late, and having nothing.”

Current driver Sergey Sirotkin and Mercedes junior Esteban Ocon are also understood to be in contention for the seat, with the Frenchman set to lose his place at Force India to Lance Stroll next year.

Kubica added he is keen to get his 2019 plans finalised “in the next couple of weeks”, stressing his number one aim is to be on the F1 grid.