ABU DHABI -- Sergey Sirotkin's Russian backers say they did not want the 2019 race seat Williams has given to Robert Kubica as they were "unpleasantly surprised" with the team's performance level this season.
Williams confirmed Kubica to its second race seat on Thursday, meaning the Polish driver will compete alongside British rookie George Russell next season. While Lance Stroll is set for a move to Force India, the team now owned by his father, Sirotkin looks set to be left without a seat in 2019.
Williams is set for its worst finish since its formation in 1977, with just eight points to its name ahead of the season-ending Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.