If you think Ferrari’s season is going from bad to worse, all you need to do is look at the Williams F1 team. The Grove-based team have been plagued by trouble right from the start of the season. Most of it was financial, but it definitely translated onto the track, as they have now taken the role of backmarker.

Recently, at the Russian Grand Prix, George Russell’s brake failed and he slid into the wall and retirement. On the very next lap, Robert Kubica in the sole surviving Williams F1 brought his car in to retire. It was fairly odd, since Kubica’s car was in tip-top condition and purring like a cat.

Afterwards, it transpired that the team wanted to conserve parts on their Williams F1 car. It is believed that the team have few funds for spare parts so they have been very careful about retirements. Unfortunately, the team’s sponsor, PK Orlen, did not appreciate such a stunt and acted on it.

A statement read, “In connection with the withdrawal of Robert Kubica from the Sunday race as part of the Russian Grand Prix, we have officially asked the ROKiT Williams Racing team for clarification. Based on them, we will take actions related to the enforcement of contractual obligations.”

Up until then, Robert Kubica had never had a mechanical retirement this season, so this was a first for many. Understandably, Kubica was not happy with the team’s decision to retire him either.

“I think it is the worst weekend of my career,” Kubica told Ziggo Sport. “And not from a driving point of view. But I think for many reasons this weekend has been very disappointing.”

“It is painful sometimes, but I always try to do the best with what I have. I had a secret goal to finish all races and unfortunately I will not achieve this.”