F1 expert gutted ‘very talented’ driver Lewis Hamilton loved never reached his potential

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A huge rallying crash 13 years ago denied Formula 1 of one of its highest potential drivers in the form of Robert Kubica.

The Polish driver was a race winner in a competitive BMW Sauber car but had already had a huge accident during his time in F1.

Speaking on his YouTube channel, Formula 1 expert and journalist Peter Windsor was recalling the 39-year-old’s time in the sport.

He joined BMW as a reserve driver in 2006 and jumped in the car halfway through the season as Jacques Villeneuve was deemed unfit to race after an accident at the German Grand Prix.

Kubica outqualified more experienced teammate Nick Heidfeld and finished in the points on his debut before being disqualified.

The Pole remained in the car for the rest of the season and in the following three seasons quickly improved his reputation in the sport.

He had a huge crash in Montreal in 2007 but 12 months later returned to the track and won his one and only Grand Prix.

Kubica ended up at Renault but had a massive shunt just one season into his time with the team while rallying and ended up having to wait eight years before securing another seat in the sport.

Peter Windsor has now recalled how much potential Kubica had during his first spell in Formula 1.

So much so, that Lewis Hamilton really highly rated the 39-year-old who he raced through karting.

Formula 1 missed out on Kubica’s potential – Windsor

Asked about the one-time race winner, Windsor said: “Oh yeah, he was really good! I mean that year when he had that shunt he would have done really well, it was a quick car.

“What a driver, I mean the way he came back from that shunt in Canada as well. I was there and we were in India a week later and there he was, amazing.

“Yeah, very talented. I mean, you know Lewis’s [Hamilton] thoughts, one of the most talented drivers he ever raced against and a lovely guy.

“Such a shame, it’s a shame for him obviously for his career but such a shame as well though that it was a rally car that he had this accident in because that kind of put the whole kibosh on Formula 1 drivers ever rallying again and that’s a shame as well I think. Just so unlucky.”

Kubica’s potential may not have been fully realised in Formula 1, but he’s at the top of his game in other series.

Kubica won the European Le Mans Series in 2021 and the FIA World Endurance Championship last year.

The Pole admitted he didn’t think his test with Alfa Romeo in 2022 would be the last time he drove an F1 car.

He also regrets joining Williams back in 2019 for his last full season in the sport but has still backed himself to have beaten Fernando Alonso had he earned his move to Ferrari.