Hamilton: Kubica would have been world champion

Formula One world champion Lewis Hamilton believes that Robert Kubica would have claimed the title at one point in his career had he not been derailed by the racing accident which saw him seriously injure his right hand, arm and leg.

Kubica is in line for a sensational return to the sport after 30 operations to repair his arm, and will test for Williams alongside Pascal Wehrlein and Sergey Sirotkin following the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

Hamilton is acquainted with Kubica from races in the past and has heaped praise on the 32-year-old, insisting that the injury suffered probably halted a championship-winning career.

"He’s one of the greatest talents I’ve ever driven against, "said the Mercedes driver.

"Had he been able to continue his career normally, he would have been world champion."

Kubica performed impressively in test races during the summer and if he tests successfully for Williams again next week he will likely partner Lance Stroll for the constructor in 2018.

Stroll spoke of the possibility of being partnered by Kubica, but kept his cards close to his chest and chose neither to praise nor criticise the potential new Williams man.

“I just want a driver by my side who is a team player, the bottom line is that you’re totally focused on your own task and do not pay much attention to what’s happening in the box next door.”

A battle with your team-mate can cause you to split the team, which pulls everyone down. Ultimately, it’s Williams’s decision. I do not know Robert Kubica."