Robert Kubica affirms that he is open to returning to a Formula 1 race seat after the 2020 season.
Kubica will leave the Williams team after the 2019 campaign, having endured a difficult year with the Grove outfit, who has been stuck at the back of the field for the entire season.
The Pole previously confirmed that he was looking for a full-time race seat for 2020, and could hold a development role in F1 next year, as Haas has verified its interest in the 34-year-old.
MORE: Haas: Kubica would get in-car time with potential 2020 role | Kubica: 'Not the first time' Williams car has changed completely on race day
Kubica, who returned to F1 this year after suffering major injuries at a rally event in 2011, says that it would be an "easy answer" if he were to receive another race seat offer in F1 in the future.
"It's always difficult to say no to racing in Formula 1," Kubica said. "Of course, it will depend on what the possibilities will be but I think I learned from my life hard lesson and that there's no point thinking too much forward.
"You don't know what will happen, so it's better to focus on the short term. Of course, I would like to have a bit of stability on some aspects and if I commit to a new series or different categories, it is normal that it would take a bit of time to adapt and be up to the highest level you can be.
"It's not something that you switch off or change, but if there is a chance in Formula 1 then probably it would be an easy answer."
Kubica has scored one point this season, which he picked up at the German Grand Prix following penalties for both Alfa Romeo drivers.
Replies (9)
Login to replyJuJuHound
Posts: 352
It was nice to see him back, and even better seeing him going well in Mexico, even if George said he ruined his race, but I would see him driving in DTM.
f1ski
Posts: 726
too many things to adjust thru a lap that may require 2 nimble hands. I was devastated by his injury.Excited with his return. It has been painful to watch the struggle.
Ram Samartha
Posts: 1,172
I think he is being overly optimistic. Maybe a test driver or sim driver spot but doubtful an F1 seat. I would think that he is seriously considering other series. His F1 experience no doubt give him and edge over many drivers in other formulas, even with his handicap. With the level of drivers at the top of F1 he just can't compete at that level, but could be successful at the top of another series in a different type of car.
ajpennypacker
Posts: 2,475
In what universe would a self-respecting team want to employ Kubica? I'm not hater. I was so excited to see him back. However, he is indisputably the worst driver on the grid right now. No team should want him. It's puzzling to see him and other talking about another comeback.
U-u-U
Posts: 3
It's simple - it's the car, not him. Obvious, if you're an actual observator, not just a casual lap time follower
calle.itw
Posts: 8,527
Yeah, it's so baffling to me. Even in the previous Williams, he was inferior to the other drivers, which cannot be explained by that "sabotage" others talk about (they tested in the same car), and he delivered on that inferiority this year. Goes to show how greatly that arm limits him. And it sucks.
SuperMario1
Posts: 12
In what universe a self-respecting team have no car at pre season tests?!
In what universe a self-respecting team is withdrawing driver in the middle of race to conserve parts?!
The list is endless. It's not about Robert, sir. It's about Williams and indisputably worst car on the grid. Claire said Williams cannot afford two differtnt cars... Well, basically Williams cannot afford two cars at all. Period. Williams is runnig on fumes and there is no gas station nearby. It's the fall of legend. It is not about Robert. Seriously.
ajpennypacker
Posts: 2,475
@SuperMario1
Hey, I think most people really really wanted Robert to be amazing. I genuinely wanted a spectacular comeback story. But Kubica has simply and objectively been sub-par. You are 100% correct with every possible pejorative to describe Williams' car, management, etc. However, the numbers don't lie. Russell has blitzed Kubica all year. Comprehensively. In quali and in the race. There is no place to hide have 15+ races. To be honest, I still think very highly of Robert and feel like he could probably perform at the top of other categories. Just obviously not F1.
SuperMario1
Posts: 12
@ajpennypacker
The numbers don’t lie? What a shallow glimpse… Example: Driver Standings. Kubica has 1 point. 100% more then Russell. That means Kubica has blitzed Russell all year. "There is no place to hide have 15+ races". No more excuses. The numbers don’t lie. See? That's a shallow glimpse. Calling Kubica "indisputably the worst driver on the grid" is way too much. Even comparing them is too much. Not in falling apart Williams. Time will tell. Over and out.