Robert Kubica not ruling out 'second F1 debut'

Robert Kubica is no longer ruling out that he could return to formula one some day. The Pole's promising F1 career ended suddenly in early 2011, when he partially severed his arm in an almost fatal rally crash.

More than six years on, the now 32-year-old former BMW and Renault driver is back on a traditional racetrack -- even if his participation at Le Mans this year is now off. "There is nothing to complain about," Kubica told Sokolim Okiem, a Polish publication. "I need to make a new path and that's why I am calm."

Indeed, for the first time since racing for Renault in late 2010, Kubica returned to a single seater last week. Brazil's Globo reports that he tested a GP3 car at the Franciacorta circuit in Italy, turning 70 laps. "I'm happy with the result, although there are many things to improve," he said. "There is much to improve on both the physical and the preparation side."

But interestingly, while the limitations of his arm movement prevented contemplating a single seater return not long ago, Kubica is no longer ruling it out. "I never said that I would (return) and I never said that I wouldn't," he said. "What will happen? I don't know. At one time I had a chance to test, but it was too early. Driving a formula one car would have been cool, but then what?"

"They say that patience is rewarded, but the reality is that formula one has its own momentum. It's a very extreme sport, and I don't know if in history there was ever a driver who made two debuts within say 15 years. There were a few, like Schumacher, who finished and then came back, but for me it would be like a completely second debut," Kubica added. (GMM)

Replies (3)

Login to reply
  • There are two key factors against him in F1: he is not able to drive in circuits like Monaco; another one - he doesn't have a financial backup to allow him joining team from the back of the pack, which is my opinion is his only chance. I don't believe in his coming back - he had his chance and he lost it.

    • + 0
    • Apr 24 2017 - 13:16
    • nutbehind

      Posts: 1

      He lost it? A bit harsh? His hand almost fell off.

      • + 0
      • Apr 25 2017 - 20:17
  • I hope, I hope, I hope.
    I like Robert very much and he knows how to win a race!

    • + 0
    • Apr 25 2017 - 07:07

AZ Azerbaijan Grand Prix

Local time 

AZAzerbaijan Grand Prix

Local time 

Test calendar

See full test schedule

World Championship standings 2026

Show full world champion standings

Related news

Give your opinion!

Will Bottas challenge Hamilton for the world championship in 2020?

Formula 1 Calendar - 2026

Date
Grand Prix
Circuit
-
Spain
-
Bahrain
-
Bahrain
6 - Mar 8
Australia
13 - Mar 15
China
27 - Mar 29
Japan
10 - Apr 12
Bahrain
17 - Apr 19
Saudi Arabia
1 - May 3
United States of America
22 - May 24
Canada
5 - Jun 7
Monaco
12 - Jun 14
Spain
See full schedule

Formula 1 Calendar - 2026

Date
Grand Prix & Circuit
6 - Mar 8
Australia Albert Park
13 - Mar 15
27 - Mar 29
10 - Apr 12
17 - Apr 19
Saudi Arabia Jeddah Street Circuit
1 - May 3
United States of America Miami International Autodrome
22 - May 24
5 - Jun 7
Monaco Monte Carlo
12 - Jun 14
See full schedule

Team profile

Show full profile
show sidebar