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Kubica hails achievements of rookie teammate Russell

Published on 01 Feb 2019 14:14
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By: Fergal Walsh

Robert Kubica has offered praise to teammate George Russell as he prepares for his return to Formula 1 in 2019. The Pole makes his return after spending a year as Williams' development driver, which subsequently saw him promoted to the Grove squad full-time.

Kubica's F1 career was cut short following a major rally accident in 2011 that saw him suffer life-threatening injuries. On his return, he will partner up with Russell, who has won back-to-back GP3 and Formula 2 titles in 2017 and 2018 respectively.

"George is a very good driver, one of the most talented of the young generation,” said Kubica. “He won F2, he won GP3, he is very talented and determined. As far as I know him, he is also a nice guy. He is also very mature given his young age and I think that this is a huge difference now."

Kubica believes that the rookies of today are better prepared for F1 as they are able to work with teams closely as they build-up to their debuts.

“When I reached F1, the youngsters were getting to know F1 and now they are much better prepared than we were 10 or 15 years ago. They work closely with F1 teams in their junior programmes and they know a lot more than we knew. And I must say that he impressed me with his technical knowledge and other things.”

Williams is one of three teams that is yet to announce the launch date for their 2019 car. The team will be aiming to bounce back this year after a disastrous 2018 campaign saw it finish bottom of the constructors' championship.

Danimal5981

Posts: 574

I'm afraid this whole "younger, sooner" thing will create saturation on talent, where PR value overtakes actual potential to become a star, or race winner. And Ocon was the first victim of it, Vandoorne in a way too. Kubica, Vettel and Hamilton created this trend, but from all 'talent' in the dec... [Read more]

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Feb 1 2019 - 18:27

F1 News Robert Kubica George Russell Paddy Driver Bob Said Williams Life Racing Engines

Replies (9)

ajpennypacker

Posts: 2,475
Russell is clearly one of the best of the current crop of youngsters, but am I the only that doesn't think of him as a potential star in the sport? I mean, not even as a proper contender for a Mercedes drive. In other words another Ocon. Don't get me wrong, I'm rooting for Russell, I like him. But even with the championship, I wasn't overly impressed with him. Thoughts anyone?
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- Feb 1 2019 - 16:58
- calle.itw
  
  Posts: 8,527
  I know very little about Russell, but I dont really think of him as a future star either. I used to think that of first Wehrlein and then Ocon, and neither have exactly translated into stars (with one even being dropped).
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  Feb 1 2019 - 17:38
- Kean
  
  Posts: 692
  I'm gonna reserve judgement until the end of the season. However, I think having high hopes in regards to Russell is justified. He has achieved what Leclerc has - winning GP3 and F2 in his rookie seasons. Granted Leclerc's F2 championship was more of a slam dunk in comparison. @Calle, I still have high hopes in Ocon, and I hold on to my belief that he'll replace Bottas (as long as Bottas doesn't deliver a stellar season).
  + 0
  
  Feb 1 2019 - 21:16
- calle.itw
  
  Posts: 8,527
  Oh he very well could, but lets just say, I wouldnt trust Mercedes too much if I were Ocon. Just remember how quickly they dumped Wehrlein, despite all the support they claimed to have for him.
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  Feb 1 2019 - 22:10
- Kean
  
  Posts: 692
  If Ocon doesn't get a seat, then Toto needs to be kneecapped. Ocon's mercedes ties is what ultimately caused him to be without a seat this season, so basically Toto owes him and if he doesn't deliver I'm gonna learn santaria so I can put some kind of voodoo hex on him.
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  Feb 1 2019 - 22:42
Danimal5981

Posts: 574
I'm afraid this whole "younger, sooner" thing will create saturation on talent, where PR value overtakes actual potential to become a star, or race winner. And Ocon was the first victim of it, Vandoorne in a way too. Kubica, Vettel and Hamilton created this trend, but from all 'talent' in the decade since, Verstappen is the only one to have actually made it (as a race winner). Ricciardo followed a more cultivated route, while for Leclerc it's too soon to judge, nevermind Kvyat, Sainz, Norris, Russell, Gio, Stroll.
- + 1
- Feb 1 2019 - 18:27
- calle.itw
  
  Posts: 8,527
  A reasonable concern, and I'd agree. What we need is more patient for these new fellas, contrary to the hype media, and some of the teams, wanna try to ramp up for these poor fellas.
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  Feb 1 2019 - 22:11
maalibu

Posts: 17
Hamilton, Vettel, Verstappen, Alonso, Kubica. Thats what You call true potential...
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- Feb 1 2019 - 21:46
mcbhargav

Posts: 1,332
I cant wait to see how Russell’s prowess holds against other young and the top guns.
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- Feb 2 2019 - 00:12