Robert Kubica returns to Formula 1 as a full-time driver in 2019. Ferrari’s Sebastian Vettel, meanwhile, has doubts about the validity of this return.
Kubica suffered a serious injuries to his right hand, right arm and leg in a rally crash that occurred in betweens tests in 2011 and hasn’t raced in F1 since.
Last year, Kubica conducted a series of tests with Renault, who eventually passed on the opportunity to sign him, and then began talks with Williams team.
The 33-year-old driver had continued to impress, running in three free practice sessions before Abu Dhabi, a number of tests and setting quick times in the Williams’ simulator.
Although Vettel feels for Kubica, the German reckons the Polish driver’s return would be a pity for young drivers as he’d take away opportunity.
“I have mixed feelings. On the one hand, it pleases me personally. No one can even imagine how hard it was for him and what he went through.” Vettel said.
“For him it would be certainly be a nice story, but on the other hand it would be a pity for young drivers, from whom he would take away a race-seat.” Vettel added.
Kubica, who won the Canadian Grand Prix in 2008, will partner British rookie George Russell next season at the Williams F1 team. Vettel, meanwhile, will race alongside Charles Leclerc at the Ferrari team.
Sebastian Vettel and Red Bull’s Max Verstappen. (Source:www.theindependent.co.uk)
When asked about his rivals Max Verstappen who drives at Red Bull Racing team, Vettel said the Dutch driver is on of the qualitative characteristics of F1 young drivers in 2019.
“He’s got all the ingredients. I think there’s a couple of guys out who have these qualities and Max is certainly one of them.” Vettel said.
“I also remember from my time, it’s important to have a competitive package throughout the season and Red Bull are certainly very, very strong and they put more performance to their car than any other team across the year, so obviously that allowed them to be very competitive, especially looking after tyres, etc.” Vettel added.
Verstappen ended his races at fourth place in the 2018 season with 249 points, two wins and elevens podiums. It was a successful season for the 21 year-old driver.
