Robert Kubica, whose Formula 1 career was abruptly cut short by a rallying accident, is set to fulfill a long-held aspiration by joining Ferrari’s new hypercar project in the World Endurance Championship (WEC), including the prestigious 24 Hours of Le Mans. Prior to his accident, the now 39-year-old Polish driver was on the cusp of becoming Fernando Alonso’s teammate at Ferrari in F1, a dream that remained unfulfilled.
In an interview with La Gazzetta dello Sport, Kubica opened up about the lingering sense of what could have been. “As an F1 driver, I had two goals in mind – to become champion and to race in red,” he shared, describing his shattered F1 dream as an “open wound” to date. “That didn’t work out, because life had something else in mind for me.” However, his new role with Ferrari in the WEC has brought a sense of closure and new excitement. “But now I am just as happy,” Kubica said, expressing his enthusiasm for the upcoming challenge.
The opportunity to compete in the 24 Hours of Le Mans for Ferrari holds special significance for Kubica, who won the LMP2 category last year. “Being able to drive the 24 Hours of Le Mans feels like driving 15 Formula 1 races in a row,” he stated, highlighting the grueling nature of the race. “To be able to do that in red is very special. I have tried many times to find a way to get into Ferrari. Driving with Ferrari is something completely different than driving with other brands.”
Reflecting on the hypothetical scenario of being Alonso’s teammate at Ferrari, Kubica acknowledges the challenge it would have posed. “Beating Fernando with the same car would have been difficult,” he admits, “but I would have liked to have experienced the challenge.” He recalls the mutual respect between them during their F1 careers, suggesting they could have been a formidable pair for Ferrari even if there may have been some tension. “But I think in reality we would have done great things together. It should have been like that, but today I am as happy with this new adventure with the red car as when I signed for Ferrari back then for 2012.”
