The Victory Over Fate
The 2025 24 Hours of Le Mans ended with Ferrari claiming its third consecutive victory, but also, and more importantly, marked Robert Kubica’s first win in the legendary race. The Polish driver had narrowly missed out in 2024 due to a technical failure just kilometers from the finish line. This year’s edition became a double redemption—not only for what happened the previous year, but also for a man who, back in 2012, was meant to be driving another Ferrari, that time in Formula 1.
The Return
That dream never materialized due to a near-fatal crash in the 2011 Ronde di Andora rally, which halted the career of the former BMW Sauber driver—who had claimed his only F1 win with the team at the Canadian Grand Prix. After a long recovery, Robert Kubica returned to competition the following year, winning the WRC2 title in 2013. He then moved closer to F1 again, officially returning in 2019 as a Williams driver after testing for Renault. Despite scoring the team’s only point that season in Germany, Kubica later revealed that his return to F1 wasn’t as fulfilling as it may have seemed.
The Negative Comments
Robert Kubica told the BBC that many viewed his comeback as a marketing stunt: “I don’t think my physical limitations are a problem behind the wheel,” he said. “If people had doubts in the past, I think I’ve proven those doubts shouldn’t exist. I’m driving, and I’m happy. I remember when I came back to F1, there were lots of voices—and I understand them, especially concerning my right hand. It’s normal to wonder if I was capable or if it was safe. But some people made very extreme comments, and they hurt me, because I’m the last person who would return just for marketing or PR reasons.” – the Ferrari driver explained.
He added: “I have serious limitations in my right arm, but I don’t even remember how I used to drive before. This is who I am now. It’s probably one of the biggest achievements of my life. During my recovery, driving was my best medicine. I might see someone look at my hand—and that’s normal—but when I’m behind the wheel, I feel completely myself. Honestly, I face more limitations in everyday life than in racing cars.”
Considering Retirement
Robert Kubica also admitted he thought about retiring after his time in F1 ended in 2022 with Alfa Romeo: “People pointed fingers, said it might not be safe, and doubted me. They don’t do that anymore,” he concluded. “Three years ago, I wondered if it was time to stop, but I’m the luckiest person in the world. I’m on a year-round vacation because I get to do what I love. Racing is everything to me. Everything I do in daily life is to prepare for the track. I don’t know what else I’d do. Quitting is a big and scary decision. But the passion is still there. The fire is still there. My main engine is my passion.”
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