Vettel has 'mixed feelings' about Kubica's return
- Published on 13 Dec 2018 11:31
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- By: Fergal Walsh
Sebastian Vettel admits that he has "mixed feelings" about Robert Kubica's upcoming return to Formula 1. The Pole will complete a sensational comeback in 2019, taking part in his first Grand Prix since Abu Dhabi, 2010.
Kubica's career took a major twist in 2011 when he was involved in a major rally accident that left him with life-threatening injuries. After spending the 2018 season with Williams as its reserve and development driver, the team opted to sign him on full-time for 2019.
Vettel says that he is pleased that the 33-year-old has found a way back into the sport, but says that he would like the available seats to go to young drivers who deserve a break in F1.
"I have mixed feelings," Vettel told Blick."On the one hand, it pleases me personally. No one can even imagine how hard it was for him and what he went through. On the other hand, there are also young drivers who deserve a chance," he added.
There will be no shortage of rookies on the 2019 grid, as the top three finishers from the 2018 FIA Formula 2 championship gained promotion to F1. George Russell, the series champion, will join Williams alongside Kubica, McLaren protege Lando Norris receives a promotion to a race seat at the Woking squad, and Alexander Albon fills the final Toro Rosso spot.
Antonio Giovinazzi will also compete in his first full season of F1, after competing in the opening two rounds of the 2017 season, standing in for an injured Pascal Wehrlein at Sauber.
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Replies (13)
Login to replyjuju_hound
Posts: 180
So Seb go away and give a place for Giovinazzi or Mick Schumacher, way to go !!
Sesto
Posts: 1
Weird that he didn't mention anything about Kimi, he's much older than Kubica. But Seb can always step down and leave some space for young ones :) Well, will be fun to watch if Charles will make less mistakes than Seb this season and beat him.
ajpennypacker
Posts: 2,475
Absolutely. And except for this year Kimi has been trash for the previous 4 years.
The fact is that Formula 1 is as young as it has ever been. Lewis would be the oldest driver at 33 without Kimi and that's ridiculous. Fact is also, that Formula should be about talent and nothing else. Who cares if people become talented enough at 18, 22, or 28?
Seb is usually pretty level headed but this was stupid
Kean
Posts: 692
@AJ, I don't think Vettel really thought his answer through on this one. I agree with you about this age fixation in F1. Personally I have hopes of seeing Rosenqvist in F1, but one of the arguments against (besides the fact that he hasn't got the fundig) is his age. He's 25. It's ridiculous.
ajpennypacker
Posts: 2,475
I am convinced that Rosenqvist would have been a much better representative for Sweden than Ericsson, who I am sure was at least mildly embarrassing for swedes. I agree, I hope Rosenqvist gets a chance. The age "issue" because he's 25 is preposterous.
Rindtchamp
Posts: 304
I know it's not going to happen, but I would truly love Leclerc to take the title in 2019 just to wipe the smug grin off Hamilton and to really shock Vettel.
Kean
Posts: 692
I think it could happen. I predict Leclerc to be about 0,1 sec faster on average in quali. With that head start, coupled with his starts, only strategy will put Vettel ahead in the race.
mcbhargav
Posts: 1,332
Its not Vettel's place to judge a racer based on his age. F1 teams are very well capable of choosing whom they want to race with, based on performance, PR and money. Fun fact, F1-2019 is going to launch 3 brand new 'youngsters'. So, it makes a lot more sense for Vettel to channel his energies to fix his unforced errors.
Hepp
Posts: 200
Well Seb, I hate to break it to you, but the DNA of F1 is supposed to be the best people competing, not the most money paying the way. I would wager a small amount that Mario Andretti could teach you new things. Young or experienced ... it is about the best of the best.
calle.itw
Posts: 8,527
Andretti is a bad example though, because he was the first driver of Lotus who gained similar (superior in this case) benefits to the first drivers of this year over their second drivers.
paveu
Posts: 6
I'm afraid in few years we'll see 16yrs old in f1. Or drivers promoted from cart categories.
calle.itw
Posts: 8,527
Wasnt Max 16 when he got in though? Or 17?
calle.itw
Posts: 8,527
And no we wont from now on, because after Max, new drivers have to have a driver's license to enter F1.