Formula 1: Robert Kubica retains 'slim' chance of racing in F1 again

Robert Kubica

Kubica retains 'slim' chance of racing in F1 again

It won't be in 2020, though.

Martin Macdonald

Saturday 14 December 2019 15:00

Robert Kubica admits there is still a chance that he could drive in Formula 1 again, but concedes there is a high probability that his final race was the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix with Williams.

After a miraculous recovery from a career-threatening rally crash which cost him part of his forearm years ago, he made his return to full-time driving with Williams ahead of the 2019 season, but after being outperformed by rookie team-mate George Russell in every single qualifying session, the team made the decision to replace him.

The Pole is still in line for a reserve or test driver role within the paddock, and he thinks that as long as he is in and around the sport in some capacity he can still harbour hope to perform again.

"You never know in your life," Kubica said.

"Of course, if in the future I will not be in the paddock, there is [a] very slim chance [of racing in F1 again].

Ferrari confirm search for female driversRead more

"If I will be in the paddock, then everything might happen. I’m keeping my feet on the ground and realistically there’s a much higher chance that this was the last race than [that] I will race again. This is a realistic overview."

After the injury in 2011, Kubica worked hard on his rehabilitation, but ultimately had to wait until the opportunity presented itself to make his return, and he says this has taught him that he has no real “control” over the destiny of his career currently.

Article continues under video

"I have no control over it – there might be a chance [of a comeback], there might not be. I think in the last 10 years I learned a big lesson,” he added.

"Even when everything is [seemingly] under control in your life - in the past I had a contract for another three years of racing and I ended up in hospital with half of my body damaged and I nearly lost my life.

"Hopefully this time it will be different."

Williams’ line-up for 2020 has already been confirmed as Russell and Formula 2 driver Nicholas Latifi.