KUBICA TO EXIT F1 AGAIN AT END OF THE SEASON
Pole’s heroic comeback will last just one year as he will part ways with Williams
Robert Kubica’s heroic return to the Formula 1 grid will end after just one year, as he announced during the Singapore Grand Prix that he is leaving Williams.
The 34-year-old Pole’s career had been interrupted by a horrific rally crash ahead of the 2011 F1 season, in which his right arm was partially severed.
But having finally secured his long-hold goal of getting back in the F1 field with Williams this year, he ended up mired at the back of the grid as the team endured one of the worst seasons in its history.
“In order to evaluate our opportunities I have taken the decision that I will not continue with Williams,” he said. “I said that this year it would be say a goal to remain in Formula 1. But not at any cost. And I think I have to first of all do what will bring me back a bit of joy in racing.
“Of course this season has been very tough from a performance point of view but it has also been very demanding, being back in Formula 1 after a long time is not easy – especially when you are in a difficult situation, as we are.
“But still nevertheless I have to thank the team for the opportunity and we will see what the future will bring.”
Kubica had initially come back to motorsport in rallying before starting to explore circuit racing opportunities and tests as he investigated whether it would be physically possible to return to the top level despite what he described as the “limitations” left by his injuries – which required over 40 operations.
Renault – which he had been driving for in F1 at the time of his accident – was his starting point, and he completed a number of tests in its older cars. But after it chose Carlos Sainz Jr for 2018 instead, Kubica turned his attentions to Williams. Despite being beaten to an ’18 seat by Sergey Sirotkin, he took on a test and development role with the team and was given the ’19 drive.
Kubica acknowledged that a DTM drive was a possibility for next season, and it is understood both the Racing Point and Haas teams are interested in giving him an F1 simulator/development role.