Since profitable the 2008 Canadian Grand Prix for the large finances BMW-Sauber F1 crew, Kubica had confirmed his value as cool-headed resolution maker within the cockpit, throughout an period when Lewis Hamilton and Sebastian Vettel got here to prominence.
Following a season of maintaining his excessive requirements in a Renault not befitting of them, Kubica took half within the Ronde di Andora rally, and the whole lot modified.
He crashed right into a barrier and was trapped for greater than an hour after severely injuring the right-hand aspect of his physique, and ultimately having his proper arm partially amputated.
“I’ve severe limitations in my proper arm however I do not bear in mind how I used to be driving earlier than; that is how I’m now – it is most likely one of many greatest successes of my life: at one interval of my restoration driving was my greatest drugs.
“I can see somebody watching my hand, which is regular; however in the long run when driving I am absolutely in myself. Actually, I’ve greater limitations [elsewhere] in each day life than the race automobiles.”
However it was in driving racing automobiles the place a lot doubt was solid over Kubica when he returned to F1 full-time in 2019. Many needed him again behind the wheel, regardless of the actual fact he must drive the automobile in another way due to the dearth of area in an F1’s automobile’s cockpit.
In an uncompetitive Williams, Kubica was crushed commonly by his up-and-coming team-mate George Russell.
“Folks pointing the finger, saying perhaps it wasn’t protected, and having doubts. They don’t seem to be doing it anymore,” says Kubica defiantly.
“I requested myself three years in the past… I used to be pondering I ought to cease. However I am essentially the most fortunate individual around the globe. I’ve a vacation all 12 months as a result of I am doing one thing I like; for me racing is the whole lot.
“The whole lot I do in each day life is to arrange for the race observe. I do not know what [else] I might do – [stopping] is a giant resolution, and a scary one.
“The fervour remains to be there; the hearth remains to be there. My principal engine pushing me is my ardour.”
