Kubica 'can only apologise' after close call with Verstappen

  • Published on 18 Nov 2019 13:51
  • comments 3
  • By: Fergal Walsh

Robert Kubica says he can only apologise after almost collecting Max Verstappen when exiting his pit box during the Brazilian Grand Prix on Sunday.

Verstappen pitted from the lead of the race one lap after Lewis Hamilton made his first stop of the day, with the Red Bull driver looking to keep his advantage and avoid being undercut.

As he approached the end of the pit lane, Kubica, who was also being serviced, was issued to leave his pit box and rejoin the track.

Verstappen was forced to turn towards the wall and brake to avoid making contact with Kubica, and found himself behind Hamilton when he rejoined the track.

The Pole received a five-second time penalty for the unsafe release, which he labelled as the "correct punishment".

"That is the rule, the punishment was correct since I was released in front of another car," he said. "It's a pity because I know what it's like when you're in the lead and such things shouldn't happen, especially when we're [Williams] only fighting with each ourselves.

"I can only apologize, I couldn't do anything. I had no idea he was coming."

Kubica was also hit with two penalty points, the first that he has picked up this season.  

JuJuHound

Posts: 352

As Robert's fan since beginning of 90's when he was driving in low categories it's really a big relief knowing he is leaving F1. It's hard to watch him being behind 1 lap with everybody. I will cross my fingers anyway at the last race cause I'm doing that since so many years, thanking him for all... [Read more]

  • 1
  • Nov 18 2019 - 14:08

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  • JuJuHound

    Posts: 352

    As Robert's fan since beginning of 90's when he was driving in low categories it's really a big relief knowing he is leaving F1. It's hard to watch him being behind 1 lap with everybody. I will cross my fingers anyway at the last race cause I'm doing that since so many years, thanking him for all glory days (Canada 2008 !!) and being for good or bad.
    Bad days are now but I believe Gerhard Berger will convince him to join DTM as he mentioned some days ago.

    • + 1
    • Nov 18 2019 - 14:08
  • xoya

    Posts: 583

    He isn't to blame in this case. Team released him, he has to trust them.
    These things happen.
    End of story.

    • + 1
    • Nov 18 2019 - 18:26
    • Mostly agree, but part of it also depend on how much visibility Kubica had. Many drivers are capable of braking in cases of unsafe releases.

      • + 0
      • Nov 19 2019 - 19:35

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Driver profile

  • Country Netherlands
  • Date of b. Sep 30 1997 (25)
  • Place of b. Hasselt (Belgie), Netherlands
  • Weight 70 kg
  • Length 1.8 m
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