Kubica reveals why he turned down a Ferrari deal

Robert Kubica has revealed that it was 'not easy' to turn down a development role with Ferrari for the 2019 season. 

The returning Polish driver had discussions with the Italian team who were looking for a reserve driver after both Antonio Giovinazzi and Daniil Kvyat left the team to drive for Sauber and Toro Rosso. 

Williams had offered Kubica a race seat and ultimately that was the offer that he decided to take. 

When speaking to Motorsport Kubica said, "I knew what I would have liked to do, but sometimes things are a bit more complicated than they look from the outside,” 

“I had some opportunity which I think was very interesting and it was not easy to say no.

“In the end, I am a racing driver – even though I haven’t been racing for quite a long time – and this racing mentality has won out.

“I’m happy to have made this decision because it is a big challenge.”

Before his tragic rally accident, Kubica was set to partner Fernando Alonso at Ferrari for the 2012 season. Many have questioned whether Kubica's injury has impacted his driving at all. 

Kubica admitted it will take some adjustment to get back into race driver mode after spending a year in the development position.

“When I’m driving the car, I have to keep in mind that I have to give quality information and feedback and that I’m able to deliver a good pace and not risk anything,” said Kubica.

“I have to change this approach a bit because now I have to work more for a team, as I was, but now also for myself.

“I need to focus on different things which might be useful when I am racing. It’s a bit of a different approach.”