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The return of Robert Kubica in Formula One 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?" Hamilton joked 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 glad he's coming back in. I was going to be the second oldest driver, but now I'm going to be the third," said Hamilton. "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 ran Robert since the days of go-karting, he was one of the most talented drivers against whom I had the pleasure of running," Hamilton said. "He has had a very difficult time in recent years and it is great that he has the opportunity.I hope that he is working hard to regain his strength.It is 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, 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 it's 100%, it will be amazing to watch."
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 can not wait to resume the race."
Kubica impressed Williams' testing last year and has been a reserve and development engine this year. One of the main issues regarding his return was whether Kubica's fragile right arm could withstand the pressure 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 has been a challenge, but what seemed almost impossible is now possible."
Kubica won 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.
Now he is just happy to be back in F1.
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