The fact that Robert Kubica is still working in Formula 1 is against all odds, after the Pole severed a section of his right forearm back in 2011 while taking part in a rally race.
Since the accident Kubica has held a number of different roles, mainly as a rally driver or a Formula 1 test driver, however in 2019 he did return to the grid to race with Williams alongside George Russell.
The Pole struggled with Williams and eventually made the decision to leave the team at the end of the season, unfortunately never quite being the same driver that he was before his accident.
Since his departure from Williams, Kubica has been serving as a reserve driver for Alpha Romeo, most recently standing in for Kimi Raikkonen for the 2021 Grand Prix in Zandvoort and Monza while the Finn suffered with COVID.
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The 37-year-old was asked in Abu Dhabi whether he believes he will still be around the paddock in 2023, to which he revealed he believes his chances are slim.
“It depends on Orlen and what they want to do next,” he said, referring to his main sponsor.
“I finish the 2022 season with a good feeling, but it would not be a surprise if I no longer get a seat as an official driver in Formula 1 anymore.
“Thank you for all your support,” he concluded.
The Pole won a single race in Formula 1, overcoming challenges from Kimi Raikkonen and Lewis Hamilton at the 2008 Canadian Grand Prix to take home his first and only F1 victory.
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Kubica is a racing fanatic so it is not yet known what he plans to do in 2023, having competed in so many different series in the past and showing no signs of losing interest in motorsport.
In 2022 Kubica took part in the 24 hour race at Le Mans, in which he finished second, showing that it is unlikely that the pole will walk away from motorsport all together following his likely departure from Formula 1.
Alfa Romeo will now be forced to recruit another reserve driver to replace the pole, which comes as a difficult task as there are multiple teams on the grid currently looking to fill the same vacancy, such as Mercedes.