F1: Robert Kubica agrees deal to race for Williams in 2019
It’s an incredible return to F1 after the Polish racer’s near-fatal rally crash eight years ago
Williams are set to announce that Robert Kubica will drive for the team in the 2019 Formula 1 season.
The 33-year-old is currently Williams’s test and reserve driver and Motorsport.com understands that a deal for next year has been agreed. He will partner British rookie George Russell in the Williams line-up.
The news is expected to be announced tomorrow at a press conference in Abu Dhabi where the final grand prix of the season takes place this weekend.
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
It will mark a fairytale return to F1 for Kubica after he was left with severe arm injuries after a rally crash nearly eight years ago.
The Polish driver last raced in F1 for Renault in 2010 but a near-fatal crash on the first stage of the Ronde di Andora rally in Italy in February 2011 left him with horrific injuries. He lost part of his arm in the crash and suffered compound fractures to his right elbow.
In addition to the interest from Williams, Kubica has been linked with an F1 development role at Ferrari. Speaking to Autosport before the Brazilian Grand Prix this month, he said: “Maybe the wish of driving and coming back to F1 is bigger than the wish of a long project. I leave a lot to personal conclusions.
“When I’m saying I want to make my mind up, it’s also about what I want to do with my future. I’m not looking only for the next three months, or one year.”
With Russell and Kubica set to be in the line-up for next year, Lance Stroll and Sergey Sirotkin’s spells at Williams could be under threat. Stroll is expected to join Force India for next season.
Williams are bottom of the 2018 constructors’ standings with only seven points from 20 races. The Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, the 21st and last of the season, takes place on Sunday.
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
-
Quincy Jones, music icon, is dead at 91
Speed Read The legendary producer is perhaps best known as the architect behind Michael Jackson's 'Thriller'
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
Moldova's pro-West president wins 2nd term
Speed Read Maia Sandu beat Alexandr Stoianoglo, despite suspicions of Russia meddling in the election
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
2024 race ends with swing state barnstorming
Speed Read Kamala Harris and Donald Trump held rallies in battlegrounds over the weekend
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
Christian Horner and the Red Bull saga that refuses to go away
Why everyone's talking about 'Too dizzy-making' even for the 'merry-go-round world of F1'
By The Week UK Published
-
Max Verstappen: F1’s record-breaking world champion
Why Everyone’s Talking About Red Bull star has surpassed records set by Schumacher, Vettel and Hamilton
By Mike Starling Published
-
F1 ‘silly season’ hits top speed as 2023 grid takes shape
Under the Radar Twitter explodes with news of driver moves, denials and rumours
By Mike Starling Published
-
Lewis Hamilton on his F1 future: ‘I have plenty of fuel in the tank’
Under the Radar Seven-time world champion finished second on his 300th grand prix start
By Mike Starling Published
-
F1: a bumpy start to the season for Mercedes, Lewis Hamilton and George Russell
Under the Radar Only four races in and Mercedes already look off the pace
By The Week Staff Published
-
F1 Bahrain GP reactions: Ferrari ‘back with a bang’ as Leclerc ‘tames the beast’
feature The Tifosi celebrate a stunning one-two for Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz
By Mike Starling Published
-
F1 2022 season guide: race calendar, championship standings and 2023 grid
feature Max Verstappen has now won 14 of this season’s 20 grands prix
By The Week Staff Last updated
-
Mason Greenwood: footballer arrested on suspicion of rape and assault
Speed Read Man Utd confirm the striker will not train or play until further notice
By The Week Staff Published