Lewis Hamilton, the seven-time Formula 1 world champion, has acknowledged Robert Kubica as one of the most talented drivers he has ever faced. Despite Kubica’s single race win, Hamilton considers him a standout competitor among the many greats he has encountered in his illustrious 18-year career.
Hamilton, arguably among the greatest drivers to have graced F1, has competed against legends like Michael Schumacher, Sebastian Vettel, and Max Verstappen. Yet, when asked to name the most talented driver he has faced, he surprisingly chose former Polish driver Robert Kubica over these world champions. Hamilton and Kubica’s racing paths crossed early on, with their rivalry dating back to their go-karting days in 1998.
In a 2019 interview, Hamilton reminisced, “I’ve known Robert the longest. We started racing each other in go-karts in 1998 — for me, Robert is one of the most talented drivers that I’ve competed against. From the beginning, I already saw the talent that he had.” This admiration underscores the deep respect Hamilton has for Kubica, even though they rarely competed for race wins directly.
Robert Kubica’s Formula 1 Career
Kubica, who made his F1 debut in 2006 for BMW Sauber, participated in 99 races, claiming 12 podiums and achieving one victory. His sole win occurred at the 2008 Canadian Grand Prix, a race that witnessed a collision between Hamilton and Kimi Raikkonen in the pit lane, paving the way for Kubica’s triumph. Despite this singular victory, Kubica’s talent was evident, with many predicting a stellar career ahead.
The turn of Kubica’s career came in 2011 when he endured a devastating accident at the Ronde di Andora rally. The crash led to life-threatening injuries, requiring 17 surgeries and resulting in a partial amputation of his right forearm. This tragedy derailed his promising trajectory in the sport, forcing him to take a hiatus from Formula 1.
Bucking the odds, Kubica made a remarkable return to F1 in 2019, joining Williams alongside George Russell. Hamilton lauded Kubica’s resilience, stating, “I think what’s really remarkable is the strength and the determination he’s shown to get through the incident he had. Not a lot of people can come from those kinds of circumstances and make it back into the sport and deliver against others who don’t have the same situation as him.”
After his stint as a race driver with Williams, Kubica transitioned to a reserve role at Alpha Romeo for two years, his last F1 appearance being at Monza when he filled in for Raikkonen. Post-Formula 1, Kubica shifted gears and now competes in the FIA World Endurance Championship.
Significance and Future Prospects
The acknowledgment from Lewis Hamilton speaks volumes about Robert Kubica’s innate talent and determination. Had it not been for his injuries, the trajectories of both drivers might have been different. Hamilton’s recognition of Kubica’s prowess is a testimony to the Polish driver’s extraordinary capabilities, despite the hurdles he faced.
While Hamilton adjusts to his new chapter with Ferrari, the respect he holds for Kubica remains steadfast. Their intertwined histories serve as a reminder of the unpredictability and personal triumphs inherent in motorsports. Looking ahead, both drivers continue to inspire, albeit on different paths, embodying the spirit of resilience and competition.
