Kubica happy he returned to ‘close a chapter’

Robert Kubica, says that, despite enduring a difficult season, returning to F1 to “close a chapter” was worth it.

Severe injuries forced the Polish driver to leave the grid in 2011 and, with his arm partially severed, many doubted he would ever return.

He did just that in 2019, driving forWilliams, but he struggled, finishing last more often than not and losing the qualifying battle 21-0 to team-mate George Russell. Nevertheless, Kubica has no regrets.

“I was kind of split, honestly, and I think by coming back to Formula 1 I closed a chapter, which was probably the most important one from my life,” Kubica toldMotorsport.com.

“I’m a person who is living for challenges, which is living for trying to achieve the targets and trying to achieve what your path is.

“If I arrive after many years being away from the sport to try to be back in F1, it means that this was my objective.

“I did want to try to see if I was able to drive and I am able to be back, although I have been away for a long time and I have limitations. [But] if I have to answer if it was worth it, I say yes.”

The 35-year old is to be replaced by Nicholas Latifi for next season and has no plans outside of F1. Returning to the grid was never a long-term plan, but done for “personal satisfaction”.

“On my journey back to circuit motorsport, I never really thought about my career or longer-term,” Kubica added.

“It was about personal satisfaction, and this is something which I will keep for most of my years, and I think for my whole life.

“I could say [the] Formula 1 season did have probably people realise that if I can drive Formula 1 cars I can do all other activities, but on the other hand I can say that being far behind in Formula 1 doesn’t help.

“Fortunately there are still people that have respect and rate me highly enough and they know that I can deliver not only as a driver but as a person.”

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