Williams team have sunk to arguably the lowest level in their illustrious history, as both their cars ended the two Friday free practice sessions slowest of all while their reserve driver Robert Kubica, who drove in FP1, was embarrassed during his time in the cockpit.
The Pole spoke to reporters after FP1, "It has been a difficult session for us with difficult balance. Some we were expecting but not as bad. It was a bit of a shock for me. But actually, I felt comfortable, although it is difficult to be comfortable in such a difficult balanced car to drive and difficult conditions.
"I think I did what I was asked and I am happy with what I delivered. I know I'm 19th but sometimes you have to realise that there are priorities and although the conditions and car balance was very, very difficult, I managed to drive well."
"Although, I felt embarrassed when I was driving inside the car because it was so difficult and I felt so slow in some places. But we couldn't do more."
It was the first time 33-year-old Kubica drove during a grand prix since the 2010 season finale Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. Three months later he suffered a career-altering rally freak accident which kept him out of the Formula 1 paddock, by choice, until last year.
Despite the woeful pace shown by the Williams FW41, Kubica managed to find some positives, "That is a good test for me because you need to understand where is your limits and where is the limit of the car."
"In my position when I have to deliver feedback and cannot do silly things, I'm happy by how I reacted to those conditions."
"I was expecting to have bigger emotions. I had much bigger emotions in the past when I was testing for the first time or even in Abu Dhabi. Although I'm not driving often, it is becoming natural."
"For sure it's nice to be in an official session of a grand prix weekend but it would be nicer to continue," he added with a grin.
Kubica ended FP1 19th on the timing screens, 3.2 seconds off the top time, albeit half a second quicker than teammate Lance Stroll who session ended half an hour early beached in a gravel trap as he too struggled with the car.
Notably, neither Stroll nor Sirotkin were able to go quicker than Kubica in the second free practice session, the Pole thus the quickest Williams driver on the day.
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