Lewis Hamilton wants 'special' Robert Kubica back in F1

ByAutoSport

Updated 28/07/2017 at 12:46 GMT

Three-time world champion Lewis Hamilton says Robert Kubica returning to the Formula 1 grid would be "great" for the championship.

Mercedes' British driver Lewis Hamilton prepares to take part in a practice session at the Hungaroring racing circuit in Budapest.

Image credit: Eurosport

Kubica, whose F1 career was put on hold after a rallying crash in 2011, has completed two tests for Renault so far this year in one of its 2012 Lotus E20s.

Lewis Hamilton in Hungary.

Image credit: Getty Images

He will drive one of the team's 2017 cars for the first time next week in the post-Hungarian Grand Prix test.

Hungarian Grand Prix

Vettel wins in Hungary amid team orders controversy

31/07/2017 at 14:22

Renault dismissed suggestions that meant it was lining him up to replace Jolyon Palmer later this season, instead saying Kubica's participation in the test was to assess his chances of making a comeback in 2018.

Hamilton said he wanted to see Kubica return to racing in F1.

"I'm really happy that he's doing the test, and I'll have a keen eye on how he's doing," said Hamilton, who wants to follow "how his tests are going" and "whether or not he's going to be racing".

I think it will be great if he's able to [return], if he can, physically. [He has] raw, natural talent, which I think as a sport it's a shame we don't have here with us.

Robert Kubica (Lotus) - Test - Cheste 06/06/17

Image credit: Renault Sport

Kubica's best F1 season came in 2008, when he finished fourth in the championship while driving for BMW Sauber and led the points after winning the Canadian Grand Prix.

Hamilton, who went on to win that year's title, said Kubica would have been a regular championship contender had his career not been disrupted.

"Robert's one of the quickest drivers I've ever raced against," he added.

"If he was still racing today he'd been in contention for a world title, if he'd [already] not won one.

Not a lot of great, great drivers come through. You have some that are much better than the rest, but still not the greatest, and then you have real special drivers like him.

Hungarian Grand Prix

Vettel denies Hamilton a record-equalling pole in Hungary

29/07/2017 at 13:24

Hungarian Grand Prix

Di Resta replaces Massa for Hungarian GP

29/07/2017 at 11:02

Hungarian Grand Prix

Ricciardo fastest in second Hungary practice

28/07/2017 at 14:14

Join 3M+ users on app

Stay up to date with the latest news, results and live sports

Download

Scan me