Former F1 driver denounces long-awaited comeback: 'Couldn't be worse'

Robert Kubica emerged as one of Formula 1's talents when he made his debut with BMW-Sauber in 2007.

A handful of podiums and a win at the 2008 Canadian Grand Prix enabled him to battle on points with championship rivals Lewis Hamilton and Kimi Raikkonen, but lack of investment ultimately stopped his title challenge.

Kubica eventually found himself at Renault in 2010, but at the end of that season he suffered a serious accident during a rally in Andorra. The Polish driver almost lost his hand and his F1 career was up in the air.

Kubica wanted to return to Formula 1 at all costs and - to everyone's surprise - did so in 2019. He signed a one-year contract at Williams alongside rookie George Russell.

Although Russell had the edge over Kubica in what proved to be a difficult car to drive all season, it was the Pole who secured their only point that season. He was classified tenth at the German Grand Prix after the Alfa Romeo's were disqualified.

Wrong place, wrong time

In an interview with the Polish news magazine Przeglad Sportowy, Kubica looks back on his comeback: "From a sporting point of view, my return to Formula One could not have been worse when I signed with Williams.

"I have a lot of respect for the team and there were definitely some people who knew what they were doing. I think I was just in the wrong place at the worst time, unfortunately."

Kubica's return, however, also opened his eyes: "Over the years I've learned that I don't have to want to put everything aside to race. I just want to feel comfortable with everything I do.

"When I cycle, I think about racing. My complete schedule and calendar are based on what I do in a car. I'm almost forty now and I'm also thinking about what the next step in my life will be."