Kubica discusses Toro Rosso switch reports

Robert Kubica has addressed reports linking him with a shock mid-season switch to Toro Rosso as a replacement for Brendon Hartley. The Pole is one of a clutch of drivers to have been linked with Hartley's seat as the Kiwi struggles to make his mark on F1.

Hartley has only collected one point since debuting for Toro Rosso last year, at this season's Azerbaijan Grand Prix.

Kubica and Pascal Wehrlein have been mentioned as potential targets, while McLaren revealed this week that they had rejected an approach for their junior driver, and Formula 2 standings leader, Lando Norris.

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Having made his return to F1 as Williams' test and reserve driver in 2018, Kubica says links between him and the Red Bull sister team were wide of the mark.

Kubica told F1i: "When the rumour began to spread, I received some messages from friends asking if it was true. There is nothing behind all that."

Kubica has been followed by a hardy bunch of Polish fans, but his presence back in the paddock has been warmly received in 2018, something the man himself appreciates.

"Honestly, I was surprised to see so much support," he said. "And not only Polish fans but all over the world.

"It is all the more surprising that, today, the pace of life has become so fast, with social media, internet, etc. People have a shorter memory.

"No doubt my story and my career being interrupted by the accident means people still remember me. But I do not feel any pity on the part of the fans who come to talk to me.

"I know that my journey is not normal and the fact that I have been able to rebuild myself sends back a sort of positive message to others."