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Pilot Robert Kubica meets reporters at the Yas Marina Racecourse in Abu Dhabi, UAE on Thursday, November 22, 2018. The Emirates Grand Prix Formula One will take place on Sunday. Robert Kubica will be back in Formula 1 next year with the Williams team. (Luca Bruno / Associated Press)
ABU DHABI, United Arab Emirates – The return of Robert Kubica in Formula 1 is a relief for world champion Lewis Hamilton.
Kubica, 33, announced Thursday that he would run for the Williams team next year, a remarkable comeback while Kubica almost lost the right hand in a rally crash in 2011.
"Is Robert older than me?" Joked Hamilton at a press conference.
When he was informed that Kubica was indeed older than Hamilton, Hamilton had a smile from one month to the next.
"I'm so happy he's coming back. I was going to be the second oldest driver, but now I'm going to be the third, "Hamilton said. "I can not tell you how happy I am about that."
Picking up on a serious note, the five-time world champion spoke of his high regard for Kubica, a long-time rival.
"I have run Robert since karting. He was one of the most talented drivers I had the pleasure of racing with, "said Hamilton. "He's had a very difficult time in recent years and it's great that he has the opportunity. I hope that he is working hard to regain his spirit. It's exciting for the sport to see him back in action. "
Fernando Alonso, 37, leaves F1 after the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix on Sunday, Kubica will be the second oldest in the grid next year behind Kimi Raikkonen, 39.
Alonso, a two-time F1 champion, has called Kubica "one of the greatest talents."
He added a note of caution.
"It remains to be seen what will be the performance of the car and its own performance," said Alonso. "But if it's 100%, it will be great to watch it."
He made a remarkable comeback for Kubica, considered one of the fastest in F1 before a terrible rally accident in 2011 did not impose him seven hours of surgery on a partially severed right hand.
"The return to the F1 grid next season will be one of the greatest successes of my life," Kubica said. "I'm looking forward to racing again."
Kubica impressed Williams' testing last year and has been a reserve and development engine this year. One of the main questions about his return was whether Kubica's fragile right arm could handle the load of a heavy car.
He answered these questions when he completed a rigorous rehab program.
"I would like to thank all those who have helped me during this difficult period of my life in recent years," said Kubica. "Going back to the Formula 1 grid was a challenge, but what seemed almost impossible is now possible."
Kubica made 12 podiums in F1 from 2006 to 2010 – winning his first pole position and winning in 2008 – and was considered one of the brightest talents in the series.
Kubica won the Canadian Grand Prix at the wheel of BMW Sauber after finishing second at the Monaco Grand Prix. These performances had apparently brought him closer to Ferrari and a better title for the title.
He is now happy to find F1 again.
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