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Why F1 can't expect 2010-spec Kubica this year

Robert Kubica was considered a Formula 1 world champion in waiting before his devastating rally accident in early 2011. He's back with Williams in '19 and one of the stories of the season is likely to be how close he can get to his previous level

"He hardly made an error worthy of the name while maximising an ordinary car everywhere, and transcending its level at Monaco, Spa and Suzuka. Renault knows where its car stacks up against the others and makes no secret of the fact that Robert has invariably flattered it."

Robert Kubica enjoyed lavish praise at the end of his last Formula 1 campaign. He'd scored just three podiums, and finished eighth in the drivers' championship, but still placed second in Autosport's top 10 drivers of the season. There was no doubt in anyone's mind, least of all Autosport's Grand Prix Editor at the time, Mark Hughes, author of the extract above, that this was a driver who was ready and capable of fighting for the world championship.

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