Formula 1: Robert Kubica 'would have been world champion' if not for accident

Robert Kubica

Kubica 'would have been world champion' if not for accident

Toto Wolff regrets the career-altering incident for the Pole.

Martin Macdonald

Wednesday 4 December 2019 10:00

Mercedes boss Toto Wolff is of the opinion that Robert Kubica would have become a Formula 1 world champion if not for the rally car accident in 2011 which cost him part of his arm.

The Pole started his career with BMW Sauber in 2006 and was viewed as one of the most talented drivers on the grid during his first tenure in the sport, before the crash at the Ronde di Andora rally which severed part of his forearm.

This led to major rehabilitation and although he did return to the sport for the 2019 season, he was unable to make an impact in his uncompetitive Williams.

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The Silver Arrows team principal believes if not for that incident, he would have won the drivers’ title.

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"I was very happy that he returned to the world of Formula 1," Wolff TVP.

"He has proved to the people who doubted that even with such an injury he can drive the car and fight with it.

“I think he will stay connected to our world in a different role. You never know with Robert, maybe he will come back. Without that accident, he would have been world champion and with his knowledge he could still be world champion in another role."

Williams have decided not to renew Kubica’s contract for the 2020 campaign, with Nicholas Latifi coming in as his replacement.

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