Why Kubica is crucial to Williams
Yes, the racing comeback fell over, but don’t underestimate the role Robert Kubica has played behind the scenes
This time last year, the Robert Kubica Formula 1 comeback fairytale was gathering momentum. After behind-closed-doors running for Renault, he made his public comeback at the Hungaroring test, and rumours swirled that he was back to his pre-accident best and ready to get back on the grid. Roll on 12 months and, after being passed over by Renault and then getting to the brink of a Williams race seat, only for it to slip through his fingers after testing in Abu Dhabi in November, the Kubica bandwagon has slowed.
Today, the 33-year-old Pole is part of the Williams team as test and reserve driver and is a constant presence in the grand prix paddock. But he’s only a bit-part player rather than the star attraction he would have been had he taken a place on the grid.
But for Kubica, this is more than just another story of an F1 aspirant in an ostensibly frustrating situation. After all, this was a driver who, on the morning of February 6 2011, was trapped in the wreckage of his Skoda Fabia after crashing on the Ronde di Andora rally. The accident was horrific, with the car hitting the leading edge of a barrier that then sliced through the front of the Skoda, inflicting life-changing injuries to Kubica’s right hand, leg and arm.
Kubica doesn’t lose sight of the fact that it has taken years of operations, rehabilitation, pain and dedication to get back to a position where he can drive a grand prix car well and have an active F1 role. Those disappointed that he’s not in a race seat should remember this is a triumph of the indomitable spirit of a man who lives and breathes motorsport, combined with medical excellence.
“There were high hopes from quite a lot of people that I could get a [race] drive,” says Kubica. “Because there were so many hopes, my comeback to the paddock has been seen, not by anyone inside but by fans, as a negative. I think that from where I have been, it’s still a big achievement.”
An F1 racing return is still possible. It’s yet to be seen how the takeover of Force India by a consortium backed by Lawrence Stroll, father of Williams driver Lance Stroll, may impact Kubica’s hopes. But he is close to Stroll Jr and has done what he can to help the Canadian, and a race seat at Force India alongside him isn’t out of the question. Beyond that, promotion at Williams is perhaps his best shot. But it’s fair to say that, at present, he’s very much a minor player in a vibrant 2019 driver market.
Kubica has had most of his chances to impress behind the wheel. From now, there remain just an FP1 outing in Abu Dhabi and then a possible appearance at the same venue in the post-race tyre test – if it happens – on his schedule. But he is adamant that his focus has been on contributing everything he can to the team.
“Someone might say, ‘Well, you are targeting becoming a race driver’, so you have to show everything,” says Kubica. “That’s true, but if someone wants to believe I’m good enough they’ll believe