Kubica ‘couldn’t have done worse’ than return to F1 with Williams

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Former F1 driver Robert Kubica believes that in hindsight he “couldn’t have done worse” than choosing Williams for his dream return to the grid in 2019.

Kubica's return to Formula 1 was a feel-good story that captured the hearts of fans worldwide.

The Polish driver, who had tragically sustained career-threatening injuries in a rally accident in 2011, had fought his way back to the pinnacle of motorsport, earning a seat with the struggling Williams team.

Kubica's comeback was met with immense excitement. However, the reality proved to be far different. The Williams FW42 was a mediocre machine and Kubica struggled to extract any performance from it.

Despite his best efforts, the Polish driver’s campaign was a disappointment, with him scoring just a single point, courtesy of a top-ten finish in Germany.

Read also: Button to return to full-time racing in 2024 WEC with Jota

In a recent interview with Przeglad Sportowy, Kubica acknowledged the difficulties he faced and admitted that his return to Formula 1 was a mistake.

“Over the years I have come to a certain awareness of the experience that I don’t need to race at all costs,” explained the 2008 Canadian Grand Prix winner.

“I want to find the right environment because I know what I need to feel good in it. And the current situation gives a certain awareness of such mental comfort.”

Having George Russell as his teammate at Williams in 2019 further compounded the challenges faced by Kubica.

The young Briton, a highly touted young talent at the time, consistently outpaced Kubica, highlighting the gulf in performance between the two drivers.

This only served to increase the pressure on the Pole and to make it more difficult for him to hide the car's shortcomings.

“There’s a second thought related to returning to F1 – in terms of the sporting aspect with Williams, I couldn’t have done worse.

“To be fair – I have a lot of respect for that group [at Williams], because there were quite a few people who really knew what they were doing there.

“But unfortunately we were at the wrong time and in the wrong place.”

Kubica left Williams at the end of 2019 to take on a reserve role with Alfa Romeo the following year.

In 2021, he substituted for a Covid-stricken Kimi Raikkonen and enjoyed his final two races in F1, running with Alfa at Zandvoort and at Monza.

In 2022, Kubica applied his expertise in the World Endurance Championship with Prema before moving to Team WRT in 2023 and securing the LMP2 class championship with the Belgian outfit alongside teammates Louis Deletraz and Rui Andrade.

In 2024, Kubica will step up to the WEC’s top Hypercar category with an AF Corse-run customer Ferrari 499P.

“AF is one of the most successful teams ever in motorsport,” commented Bobby K. “I’m sure we’ll do a great job together. What’s more, I’m back in an Italian team, which is no small matter.”

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.