Formula 1

Kubica: “I have a lot more to lose than people think”

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Credit: Octane Photographic Ltd

Robert Kubica believes that he has a lot to lose by returning to Formula One in 2019. Kubica was announced as Williams Racing driver alongside Mercedes AMG Petronas Motorsport junior, George Russell.

The popular Pole suffered a huge rally accident ahead of the 2011 season left him with major injuries including a partially severed forearm.

Whether he would be able to race again let along in F1 had been debated. However, having tested for Renault F1 Team and then later Williams, Kubica is confident he will have no issues in the cockpit.

Speaking to Sky Sports F1, the Williams driver admitted that there were risks attached to his F1 return but seemed self-assured of success ahead of what will be his biggest challenge yet.

“I wouldn’t be coming back if l didn’t think l could do it properly. I have a lot more to lose than people think. The big part of the job we have to do is off track. To develop the car and bring Williams back to where it should be.”

Although having lost full function of his right arm in his rally crash, Kubica has seemingly overcome doubts that his injuries would limit his ability.

“Twelve months ago l realised l can do it and realised l could drive as naturally as l did before.

“The most important day of my life was 12 months ago when l knew l could do it. I honestly think l am now more ready than l was before.

“My doubts were gone last year in my second or third test in an F1 car. The question marks were related in a technical point of view: how the new car will suit you, how the new tyres will suit you. But this is the same for every driver in the paddock.

“It is the end of a long journey and it has been a big challenge to get here. But now it’s the start of a new challenge,”

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