Robert Kubica

Kubica developed his love for all kinds of cars at the young age of four when he spotted a small off-road vehicle, powered by a {{convert|4|bhp|abbr=on}} petrol engine. After long talks with his parents, his father Artur bought him the car and young Kubica spent long hours driving around plastic bottles. When he got older it became apparent that he needed better equipment, so his father bought him a go-kart. However, Kubica was too young to start racing in the Polish Karting Championship as he was under the age of ten. When he entered the championship, he won six titles in three years. After his third season, Kubica decided to switch to a more competitive series in Italy. In 1998 Kubica became the first foreigner to win the International Italian Junior Karting Championship.

Kubica also scored second place in the European Junior Karting Championship and won the Junior Monaco Kart Cup held on part of the Formula One Grand Prix track. A year later, he defended his title in Italy and also competed in the International German Karting Championship. He also won the Monaco Kart Cup for the second time in a row, as well as the Margutti Trophy and Elf Masters races. In 2000, his last season in karting, Kubica scored fourth places in both the European and World Championships.

File:Robert Kubica1.jpg racing team|left]]

Kubica started his professional career in 2000, as a test driver for a Formula Renault 2000 car. During his first professional season in Formula Renault, Kubica scored his maiden pole position and also became a member of Renault's driver development programme. In 2002 Kubica won four races and scored a second place in the Italian Formula Renault 2000. He was also seventh in the Formula Renault Eurocup. At the end of the year he took part in a Brazilian Formula Renault 2000 race held at the Interlagos circuit. This one-off appearance resulted in a dominant win.

After Formula Renault, Kubica moved to the Formula 3 Euro Series. However, his move was delayed by a road accident which left him with a broken arm, and titanium screws holding it together. At his delayed debut at Norisring, Kubica, driving with a plastic brace and 18 titanium bolts in his arm, won the race. He finished the season in 12th place. At the end of the year, Kubica won a street race in Sardinia and came fifth in races held in Macau and Korea. He ended his second season in the Formula 3 Euro Series, spent with the factory Mercedes team, in 7th position. In November 2004, he scored pole position in the Macau F3 Grand Prix, where he broke the lap record, but finished second in the race.

In 2005 he won the World Series by Renault championship with the Epsilon Euskadi team, earning Formula One tests with Renault.

Kubica was due to drive Minardi's third car in Friday practice for the 2005 Japanese or Chinese GP, but he did not get the FIA Super License required to drive.{{Cite web|title=Minardi: Kubica-Gerüchte konkreter|url=https://www.motorsport-total.com/formel-1/news/minardi-kubica-geruechte-konkreter-05100108|access-date=11 October 2024|website=Motorsport-Total.com}}{{Cite web|title=Keine Superlizenz für Robert Kubica|url=https://www.motorsport-total.com/formel-1/news/keine-superlizenz-fuer-robert-kubica-05100829|access-date=11 October 2024|website=Motorsport-Total.com}} Kubica made a one-off test for Renault in December 2005 at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya.{{cite web|url=https://www.crash.net/f1/news/54002/1/kubica-rewarded-with-renault-test |title=Renault test for Kubica |website=Crash|date=12 October 2005|access-date=14 October 2024}}

In {{F1|2006}}, Kubica became the official reserve driver for the BMW Sauber Formula One team.BMW snaps up Kubica [http://www.itv-f1.com/News_Article.aspx?PO_ID=34745&PO=34745 ITV-F1.com] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070927000540/http://www.itv-f1.com/News_Article.aspx?PO_ID=34745&PO=34745 |date=27 September 2007 }}. Reported on site 22 December 2005, 01:33 His results in both Friday testing and private test sessions, along with the words of BMW Sauber team principal Mario Theissen, led to speculation that he would become Poland's first ever Formula One racing driver in {{F1|2007}}. In August 2006, Kubica's teammate, Jacques Villeneuve, complained about headaches after his accident during the {{F1 GP|2006|German}}; he was deemed unfit to race by the team, against his own belief, and Kubica was chosen by the team management to replace him at the {{F1 GP|2006|Hungarian}}.{{cite news |url=http://www.gpupdate.net/en/f1-news/126870/villeneuve-feels-let-down-by-bmw/ |title=Villeneuve feels let down by BMW |publisher=GPUpdate.net |date=7 August 2006 |access-date=1 February 2011}} Kubica qualified ninth, beating his more experienced teammate Nick Heidfeld. In the race, he finished in seventh place, but was disqualified after the race for having an underweight car.Kubica disqualified, Schumacher scores [http://www.formula1.com/race/news/4783/763.html Formula1.com]. Retrieved Unknown Villeneuve decided to leave the BMW Sauber team soon after the race,Villeneuve parts company with BMW [http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/motorsport/formula_one/5243540.stm news.bbc.co.uk]. Retrieved Unknown and Kubica's position in the team for the remainder of the season was confirmed by BMW.{{cite news |url=http://www.gpupdate.net/en/f1-news/127106/kubica-to-finish-season-with-bmw/ |title=Kubica to finish season with BMW |publisher=GPUpdate.net |date=10 August 2006 |access-date=1 February 2011}}

File:Robert Kubica USA 2006.jpg's third driver at the 2006 United States Grand Prix]]

Kubica had a disappointing race at the {{F1 GP|2006|Turkish}}, finishing in 12th place after a mistake in tyre choice. Heidfeld, who was delayed in a first-corner accident, placed behind Kubica. In his third race, the {{F1 GP|2006|Italian}}, Kubica finished in third position, and became the first Polish driver to appear on a Formula One podium, as well as the first Polish driver to lead a Grand Prix. He was the first driver since Alexander Wurz in {{F1|1997}} to finish on the podium within his first three Formula One starts.

In China, he finished 13th, again after a mistake in tyre choice. After going off track at the first turn of the race, he moved from 17th position to fifth, before pitting. He was the first to change from intermediate tyres to dry tyres after the wet track started to dry. This decision was made too early: a very slow next lap in extremely wet and slippery conditions and another pit stop to change back to intermediates cost him his place in the points.

File:Robert Kubica 2007 Britain 4.jpg at the 2007 British Grand Prix]]

File:Kubica Canada 2007.jpg]]

Kubica performed well during the {{F1|2007}} season, finishing consistently in point scoring positions. At the {{F1 GP|2007|Canadian}} Kubica had a serious crash approaching the hairpin on lap 27, in which his car made contact with Jarno Trulli's Toyota, and hit a hump in the grass which lifted the car's nose into the air and left him unable to brake or steer. The car then hit the concrete retaining wall and rolled as it came back across the track, striking the opposite wall on the outside of the hairpin and coming to rest on its side.{{cite news| title =Reaction: Toyota, Red Bull and Honda| publisher =sportinglife.com| url =http://www.sportinglife.com/formula1/news/story_get.cgi?STORY_NAME=formula1/07/06/10/manual_223115.html| date =10 June 2007| access-date =11 June 2008| url-status =dead| archive-url =https://web.archive.org/web/20070930043050/http://www.sportinglife.com/formula1/news/story_get.cgi?STORY_NAME=formula1%2F07%2F06%2F10%2Fmanual_223115.html| archive-date =30 September 2007}} The car was heavily damaged and Kubica's feet could be seen exposed through the destroyed nose of the car.{{Cite web|url=http://www.foxsports.com/motor/gallery/f1-crash-images-robert-kubica-canada-2007-061016|title=Robert Kubica's frightening F1 crash at Canada in photos|date=20 October 2016|website=FOX Sports|access-date=10 December 2019}} The speed measured when his car clipped the barrier was {{convert|300.13|km/h|mph|abbr=on}}, at a 75-degree angle, subjecting Kubica to an average deceleration of 28 g. After data from the onboard accident data recorder had been analysed it was found that he had been subjected to a peak G-force of 75 G.{{cite news| title =Kubica's crash data disclosed| publisher =autosport.com| url =http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/59988| date =20 June 2007| access-date =20 June 2007}} Under safety car conditions, Kubica was removed from the car and taken to the circuit's medical centre, where he was announced to be in "stable" condition. Shortly afterwards, his manager Daniele Morelli said Kubica was conscious and talking.{{cite news| title =Canadian Grand Prix| publisher =news.bbc.co.uk| url =http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/motorsport/formula_one/6738963.stm| date =10 June 2007| access-date =11 June 2007 | first1=Andrew | last1=Benson | first2=Mark | last2=Orlovac}} It was initially reported that Kubica could have a broken leg.{{cite news| title =UPDATE: Kubica has broken leg| publisher =crash.net| url =http://www.crash.net/news_view~cid~1~id~149373.htm| date =10 June 2007| access-date =10 June 2007| url-status =dead| archive-url =https://web.archive.org/web/20070612182913/http://www.crash.net/news_view~cid~1~id~149373.htm| archive-date =12 June 2007}} However, Mario Theissen later confirmed that he was not seriously injured.{{cite news| title =Unhurt Kubica to leave hospital on Monday| publisher =homeofsport.com| url =http://www.homeofsport.com/f1/news/item.aspx?id=19326| date =10 June 2007| access-date =10 June 2007 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20070929101307/http://www.homeofsport.com/f1/news/item.aspx?id=19326 |archive-date = 29 September 2007}}{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/motorsport/formula_one/6747525.stm|work=BBC Sport|publisher=BBC|date=13 June 2007|access-date=6 February 2011|title=Kubica 'feels ready for US race'}}

Further reports from late evening on race day, directly from the hospital, confirmed that Kubica had suffered a light concussion alongside a sprained ankle. After being kept in overnight for observation, Kubica left hospital the following day.{{cite news| title =Kubica leaves hospital after crash in Montreal| publisher =iht.com| url =http://www.iht.com/articles/ap/2007/06/11/sports/NA-SPT-CAR-F1-Kubica-Injury.php| date =11 June 2007| access-date =11 June 2007}} On 14 June it was announced that as a precaution, Kubica would not race at the {{F1 GP|2007|United States}} and would be replaced by test driver Sebastian Vettel.{{cite news| title =Vettel to replace Kubica at Indianapolis| publisher =autosport.com| url =http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/59765| date =14 June 2007| access-date =14 June 2007}} After missing Indianapolis, he returned for the {{F1 GP|2007|French}} where he qualified and finished in fourth place, receiving ITV broadcaster Martin Brundle's driver of the day award. He then went on to finish fourth again at the {{F1 GP|2007|British}}.

====2008: Maiden win====

File:Robert Kubica 2008 Malaysia 2.jpg]]

Kubica's retention as race driver for {{F1|2008}} was confirmed on 21 August 2007.{{cite news| title =Heidfeld and Kubica stay at BMW | publisher =news.bbc.co.uk| url =http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/motorsport/formula_one/6956299.stm| date =21 August 2007| access-date =21 August 2007}} Over the first half of the season, Kubica qualified and finished strongly, including his and BMW Sauber's first pole position at the {{F1 GP|2008|Bahrain}} and second-place finishes at the Malaysian and Monaco Grands Prix.

File:Robert Kubica 2008 Canada 2.jpg.]]

On 8 June 2008 at the {{F1 GP|2008|Canadian}}, Kubica achieved his first Formula 1 victory. He started second on the grid and passed race leader Lewis Hamilton in the first round of pitstops after the BMW Sauber pit crew completed a faster pitstop. On leaving the pits, Kubica and Kimi Räikkönen's Ferrari halted at the pit lane exit, waiting for the red pit exit light to change. Hamilton, running immediately behind them, missed the light and crashed into Räikkönen's Ferrari, eliminating both cars from the race. Kubica rejoined the race well positioned for the eventual victory. He passed Heidfeld's sister BMW Sauber, running one refuelling stop to Kubica's two stop strategy, and gained the necessary 24 seconds over Heidfeld to ensure that he maintained the lead after his second stop 22 laps later. The BMW Saubers remained first and second to the end of the race.{{cite news| url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/motorsport/formula_one/7443153.stm | work=BBC News | title=Kubica targets F1 title after win | date=8 June 2008 | access-date=22 May 2010}} Kubica later joked that he should thank Hamilton for electing to crash into Räikkönen instead of him.{{cite news| title=Kubica celebrates first win as Hamilton rues pit-stop shunt | url=https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/motor-racing/kubica-celebrates-first-win-as-hamilton-rues-pitstop-shunt-842880.html| newspaper=The Independent | date=9 June 2008 | location=London | first=David | last=Tremayne | access-date=22 May 2010}} The win gave Kubica the lead in the Drivers' Championship.

File:Robert Kubica 2008 Britain.jpg]]

BMW Sauber's results were weaker over the second half of the season. At the {{F1 GP|2008|French}} at Magny-Cours, Kubica finished 5th, reporting that this was a lost race, complaining about aerodynamic problems with the car.{{Citation needed|date=June 2008}} Kubica's strongest result of the latter part of the year was in Japan where he qualified sixth. At the start, several drivers braked too late for the first corner. Kubica took an inside line overtaking several cars and emerged in the lead. He led for 16 laps, but lost his lead to Fernando Alonso at the first round of pit stops. Kubica finished second after defending his position towards the end of the race against Räikkönen in a faster Ferrari (his fastest race lap was 0.6 seconds quicker than the Pole's){{cite web|url=http://www.formula1.com/results/season/2008/802/6574/fastest_laps.html|title=2008 Formula 1 Fuji Television Japanese Grand Prix – Fastest Laps|publisher=www.formula1.com|access-date=16 October 2008}}{{cite news| title =Japanese Grand Prix | work =BBC Sport| url =http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/motorsport/formula_one/7665745.stm| date =12 October 2008| access-date =12 October 2008 | first=Andrew | last=Benson}} Apart from that, Kubica achieved podiums in a race in Valencia and in the rain affected race at Monza. Kubica finished the year fourth in the Drivers' Championship.

File:Robert Kubica 2009 Turkey 3.jpg]]

At the {{F1|2009}} season opener in Melbourne, Kubica qualified fourth on the grid. During the race, he was in third place and closing the gap to the front two cars before making contact with Sebastian Vettel while trying to overtake him. After the incident, Kubica continued briefly, but crashed into a wall at the next corner because his front wing had become stuck under the car.{{cite web|url=http://www.grandprix.com/race/r804sunquotes.html|title=Australian GP – Sunday – Team quotes|publisher=grandprix.com|date=29 March 2009|access-date=13 April 2009|archive-date=12 October 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121012233916/http://www.grandprix.com/race/r804sunquotes.html|url-status=dead}} Vettel was later deemed responsible for the accident, and given a 10-place penalty on the grid for the next race in Malaysia.{{cite news|first=Pablo|last=Elizalde|url=http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/74059|title=Vettel gets grid penalty for Malaysia|work=autosport.com|publisher=Haymarket Publications|date=29 March 2009|access-date=13 April 2009}}

BMW motorsport director Mario Theissen claimed that Kubica would have won the race ahead of Jenson Button had it not been for Vettel.{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/motorsport/formula_one/7970668.stm|title=Vettel gets 10-place grid penalty|publisher=BBC|work=BBC Sport|date=29 March 2009|access-date=3 April 2009}}

File:Robert Kubica 2009 Germany.jpg]]

At the {{F1 GP|2009|Malaysian}}, Kubica qualified in eighth place, but was promoted to sixth following Vettel's ten-place grid penalty for causing the crash in Australia, and Rubens Barrichello's five-place grid drop for changing his gearbox. However, he retired very early in the race with engine problems. The next two races, the {{F1 GP|2009|Chinese}} and the {{F1 GP|2009|Bahrain}} were disappointing for the BMW Sauber team as both Kubica and his teammate Heidfeld finished outside the points with a non-competitive car.

File:2009 Formula 1 Grand Prix of China - Shanghai Circuit (3479516971).jpg]]

For the next race in Barcelona, BMW Sauber prepared a modified version of the F1.09. The car proved more competitive but a mistake in fitting the tyres to Kubica's car during Q3 meant he could only qualify in 10th position. In the race, after a bad start (due to a clutch issue){{cite news|url=http://www.formula1.com/news/headlines/2009/5/9340.html|title=Spanish Grand Prix – selected driver quotes|publisher=Formula One Administration|work=formula1.com|date=10 May 2009|access-date=3 April 2010}} he finished once more out of the points. Kubica had an engine failure during second practice in Monaco, and retired from the Grand Prix due to a brake issue. At the {{F1 GP|2009|Turkish}}, the team introduced the double diffuser. The car's performance improved and Kubica managed to score his first points of the season with a 7th place. In the next 3 races both BMW Sauber drivers finished outside the points again, but during the European and Belgian Grands Prix again proved to be competitive, scoring 8th and 4th positions respectively. In Italy, Kubica had engine trouble in qualifying and then retired from the race due to an oil leak. At the {{F1 GP|2009|Singapore}}, Kubica finished 8th, defending his position from Kazuki Nakajima and Räikkönen in the last laps. He later stated it was "the most difficult point I have ever scored".{{cite news|first=Pablo|last=Elizalde|url=http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/78976|title=Kubica: The most difficult point ever|work=autosport.com|publisher=Haymarket Publications|date=27 September 2009|access-date=3 April 2010}}{{cite news|first=Matt|last=Beer|url=http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/79319|title=Kubica joins Renault for 2010|work=autosport.com|publisher=Haymarket Publications|date=7 October 2009|access-date=3 April 2010}} At the {{F1 GP|2009|Brazilian}}, Kubica scored his first podium of the season despite engine temperature problems by finishing in 2nd place, 7.6 seconds behind winner Mark Webber. The podium was BMW's second of the season.

On 29 July 2009, BMW announced that they would leave Formula One at the end of 2009, which made Kubica a free agent for the {{F1|2010}} season.{{cite news|first=Jonathan|last=Noble|url=http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/77400|title=BMW will quit F1 at the end of 2009|work=autosport.com|publisher=Haymarket Publications|date=29 July 2009|access-date=3 April 2010}}{{cite news|author1=Elizalde, Pablo |author2=Lostia, Michele |url=http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/77430|title=Manager says Kubica now on the market|work=autosport.com|publisher=Haymarket Publications|date=30 July 2009|access-date=3 April 2010}} For the 2010 season, it was announced that he had signed for Renault F1, the team he tested for during his junior career.{{cite news|first=Simon|last=Strang|url=http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/77795|title=Kubica "open-minded" on 2010 options|work=autosport.com|publisher=Haymarket Publications|date=20 August 2009|access-date=3 April 2010}}

File:Kubica Bahrain Grand Prix 2010.jpg at the 2010 Bahrain Grand Prix, the opening round of the season.]]

Kubica moved to the Renault team for {{F1|2010}}. His position was briefly put in doubt, however, by the team evaluating its future in the sport following the 2009 season in the wake of the "Crashgate" scandal and the parent company's financial problems. This resulted in a Luxembourg-based investment firm, Genii Capital, taking a 75% stake in the team; Renault retained the remaining 25%.{{cite news| url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/motorsport/formula_one/8407138.stm | work=BBC News | title=Deal struck to keep Renault in F1 | date=10 December 2009 | access-date=22 May 2010 | first=Andrew | last=Benson}} Eric Boullier was also appointed as the new team manager. Kubica said he might not stay with Renault, as his contract was only valid if the parent company had a controlling stake in the team, but he then decided to remain with them.{{cite news| url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/motorsport/formula_one/8416180.stm | work=BBC News | title=Kubica may not stay with Renault | date=16 December 2009 | access-date=22 May 2010 | first=Andrew | last=Benson}}{{cite news| url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/motorsport/formula_one/8439373.stm | work=BBC News | title=Kubica to stay with Renault team | date=4 January 2010 | access-date=22 May 2010 | first=Andrew | last=Benson}} On 31 January 2010, it was announced that Vitaly Petrov was to be Kubica's teammate.

It was reported in Autosport that Ferrari driver Felipe Massa had until the 2010 British Grand Prix to prove to the Maranello outfit that he was worth hanging onto: if not, Kubica would take his seat in {{F1|2011}}.{{cite magazine|date=8 April 2010|first=Edd|last=Straw|title=Massa fights for Ferrari future|magazine=Autosport|publisher=Haymarket Publications|volume=200|issue=2|pages=10–11}} However, Ferrari re-signed Massa for 2011, leaving Kubica without a drive at the Italian team.

File:Robert Kubica 2010 Malaysia.jpg as a Renault F1 Team driver.]]

On 7 July 2010, it was confirmed that Kubica had extended his contract with Renault to 2012.{{cite news|title=Kubica extends Renault deal to 2012|url=http://www.f1fanatic.co.uk/2010/07/07/robert-kubica-signs-for-two-more-years-with-renault/|first=Keith|last=Collantine|work=F1 Fanatic|publisher=Keith Collantine|date=7 July 2010|access-date=19 October 2010}}

File:Robert Kubica 2010 Australia.jpg

At the opening race of the {{F1|2010}} season in Bahrain, Kubica was tagged by Adrian Sutil and spun on the opening lap but recovered to 11th. At the next race in Australia, he finished second after starting in ninth position. Fourth in Malaysia and fifth in China left him in seventh place in the Drivers' Championship, 20 points behind championship leader Jenson Button. Kubica felt that had there not been a second safety car period in China he could have finished on the podium. In Spain he finished eighth, but followed this up with another podium in Monaco, holding third throughout after losing second at the start to Sebastian Vettel. At the {{F1 GP|2010|Turkish}}, he was held up behind Nico Rosberg for the second time in the season after Malaysia, and finished sixth.

In Canada, Kubica finished seventh after an eventful race and problems with tyre degradation which made his race difficult,{{cite news|url=http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/84508|title=Kubica eyes step forward in Valencia|first=Jonathan|last=Noble|work=autosport.com|publisher=Haymarket Publications|date=14 June 2010|access-date=1 September 2010}} but did set the first fastest lap of his career in the race's closing stages. He added a fifth in Valencia and seventh in Germany before taking his third podium of the season in Belgium. He was competitive throughout the weekend, qualifying third, and only a bungled pitstop cost him second to Mark Webber. In Singapore, he qualified eighth in front of Schumacher. During the late stages of the race, he was forced to pit from sixth place due to a puncture. He was released from the pits to twelfth place, but with the help from superior grip and a series of overtaking moves—his move against Sutil was favourably compared to the incident between Webber and Hamilton—was able to claim seventh place, ultimately gaining a place from his qualifying result. In Suzuka, he managed to trail the Red Bulls throughout the weekend and translated it into a strong third place in qualifying. However, despite getting a good start and overtaking Webber at the start of the race, but would retire during the safety car period after losing one of his rear tyres.

File:Robert Kubica (4949008308).jpg]]

Formula One journalist Mark Hughes remarked that Kubica was currently "arguably the best driver", considering the season so far. He emphasised Kubica's strong showing in tracks where Hughes believed that the differences in driver skills are able to overwhelm the differences in the capability of the cars; namely, Monaco, Spa and Suzuka.{{cite news|title=Why Robert Kubica is arguably the best driver in F1|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/motorsport/formula_one/9080455.stm|first=Mark|last=Hughes|author-link=Mark Hughes (journalist)|work=BBC Sport|publisher=BBC|date=12 October 2010|access-date=19 October 2010}} Kubica managed to finish on the podium behind the Red Bulls except in Suzuka where he was strong throughout the weekend nevertheless, despite retiring from the race through no fault of his own.

File:2011 Robert Kubica testing in Valencia in Renault R31.jpg

Kubica was retained by Renault – rebranded as Lotus Renault GP through Lotus Cars sponsorship – into the {{F1|2011}} season, again partnered with Petrov.{{cite news|url=http://www.crash.net/f1/news/166115/1/petrov_to_sample_new_renault_first.html|work=crash.net|publisher=Crash Media Group|date=26 January 2011|access-date=27 January 2011|title=Petrov to sample new Renault first|archive-date=29 January 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110129082043/http://www.crash.net/f1/news/166115/1/petrov_to_sample_new_renault_first.html|url-status=dead}} He tested the team's new car, the Renault R31, for the first time in Valencia on 2 February. On the last day of testing in Valencia he set the fastest time of the session.{{cite news|url=http://www.formula1.com/news/headlines/2011/2/11707.html|title=Renault's Kubica leads field as test ends|work=Formula1.com|publisher=Formula One Administration|date=3 February 2011|access-date=5 February 2011}} Three days later, he was seriously injured in a rallying accident in Andorra.

As he was unable to start the season following his accident, Lotus Renault signed his former BMW Sauber teammate Nick Heidfeld as his replacement on 16 February, while Kubica still remained signed with the team for the 2011 season.{{cite news|url=http://www.formula1.com/news/headlines/2011/2/11750.html|work=formula1.com|publisher=Formula One Administration|date=16 February 2011|access-date=16 February 2011|title=Renault confirm Heidfeld as Kubica stand-in}} Bruno Senna replaced Heidfeld later in the season, at the {{F1 GP|2011|Belgian}}. Kubica was released from hospital to begin his rehabilitation on 24 April 2011.{{cite news|url=http://www.formula1.com/news/headlines/2011/4/11965.html|work=formula1.com|publisher=Formula One Administration|date=24 April 2011|access-date=26 April 2011|title=Kubica discharged from Italian hospital}} In November 2011 it was announced that Kubica would not be ready for the beginning of the {{F1|2012}} season, forcing Renault (who at which point had changed their name to Lotus) to begin the season with two other drivers, Kimi Räikkönen and Romain Grosjean.{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/formula_one/16521193.stm|title=Robert Kubica breaks right leg in accident|last=Benson|first=Andrew|date=11 January 2012|work=BBC Sport|publisher=BBC|access-date=11 January 2012}} In an interview in 2018 Kubica revealed that he had signed for Ferrari for the {{F1|2012}} season.{{Citation|last=FORMULA 1|title=Robert Kubica Interview|date=11 July 2018|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ynG1RQLmyP8 |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211213/ynG1RQLmyP8 |archive-date=13 December 2021 |url-status=live|access-date=1 December 2018}}{{cbignore}}

On 6 February 2011, Kubica was injured in a crash on the first stage of the Ronde di Andora rally. He was driving a Super 2000-specification Škoda Fabia{{cite magazine|url=http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/89309|magazine=Autosport|publisher=Haymarket Publications|date=6 February 2011|access-date=6 February 2011|first1=Matt|last1=Beer|first2=Jonathan|last2=Noble|title=Kubica hospitalised after rally crash}} in Testico when his car left the road at high speed and hit a crash barrier,{{cite news|language=it-IT|url=http://archivio.lastampa.it/LaStampaArchivio/main/History/tmpl_viewObj.jsp?objid=11020899|title=Andava veloce ma ero convinto non-sbandasse|work=La Stampa|publisher=Editrice La Stampa|date=10 February 2011|access-date=27 February 2011|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110722041106/http://archivio.lastampa.it/LaStampaArchivio/main/History/tmpl_viewObj.jsp?objid=11020899|archive-date=22 July 2011}} near the church of San Sebastiano.{{cite news|language=it-IT|url=http://archivio.lastampa.it/LaStampaArchivio/main/History/tmpl_viewObj.jsp?objid=11020908|title=Testico Gli Abitanti: Come ex voto potrebbe riparare il tetto della Chiesa "San Sebastiano l'ha salvato"|work=La Stampa|publisher=Editrice La Stampa|date=10 February 2011|access-date=27 February 2011|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110722041113/http://archivio.lastampa.it/LaStampaArchivio/main/History/tmpl_viewObj.jsp?objid=11020908|archive-date=22 July 2011}}{{cite news|language=it-IT|url=http://archivio.lastampa.it/LaStampaArchivio/main/History/tmpl_viewObj.jsp?objid=11015773|title=Una sequenza di sei curve pericolose|work=La Stampa|publisher=Editrice La Stampa|date=8 February 2011|access-date=27 February 2011|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110722041125/http://archivio.lastampa.it/LaStampaArchivio/main/History/tmpl_viewObj.jsp?objid=11015773|archive-date=22 July 2011}} Kubica was trapped in the car for more than an hour before rescue workers were able to extricate him.{{cite magazine|url=http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/89323|title=Kubica to undergo second surgery|magazine=Autosport|publisher=Haymarket Publications|first1=Simon|last1=Strang|first2=Michele|last2=Lostia|date=7 February 2011|access-date=7 February 2011}} He was flown by helicopter to Santa Corona Hospital in Pietra Ligure{{cite news|language=it-IT|url=http://archivio.lastampa.it/LaStampaArchivio/main/History/tmpl_viewObj.jsp?objid=11027366|title=Pietra Ligure il pilota migliora dopo il lungo intervento di Venerdi' Riabilitazione al simulatore del S. Corona Lo staff di Kubica ha visionato e "promosso" il sistema robotico di Unita' spinale|work=La Stampa|publisher=Editrice La Stampa|date=13 February 2011|access-date=27 February 2011|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110722041140/http://archivio.lastampa.it/LaStampaArchivio/main/History/tmpl_viewObj.jsp?objid=11027366|archive-date=22 July 2011}} near Savona, where it was confirmed that he had a partial amputation of his forearm, compound fractures to his right elbow, shoulder and leg, as well as significant loss of blood.{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/motorsport/formula_one/9388940.stm|title=Formula 1 driver Robert Kubica injured in rally crash|work=BBC Sport|publisher=BBC|date=6 February 2011|access-date=6 February 2011}}{{cite magazine|url=http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/89312|magazine=Autosport|publisher=Haymarket Publications|date=6 February 2011|access-date=6 February 2011|first=Jonathan|last=Noble|title=Kubica suffers multiple fractures}} The severity of his injuries was the result of the crash barrier penetrating the car's cockpit, and hitting Kubica, while leaving his co-driver unscathed. Kubica underwent a seven-hour operation by seven doctors split into two teams, without complications. Two more lengthy operations to repair fractures to his leg, shoulder and arm were performed successfully a few days later.{{cite magazine|url=http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/89514|title=Kubica undergoes final surgery|magazine=Autosport|publisher=Haymarket Publications|date=17 February 2011|access-date=17 February 2011|first=Pablo |last=Elizalde}}{{cite magazine|url=http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/89439|title=Kubica requires one more operation |magazine=Autosport|publisher=Haymarket Publications|date=12 February 2011|access-date=12 February 2011|first1=Michele|last1=Lostia|first2=Matt|last2=Beer}} The condition of his hand was not clear for some time and as a result he missed the 2011 season.{{cite news|date=14 February 2011|access-date=15 February 2011|url=http://www.metro.co.uk/sport/855520-robert-kubica-faces-elbow-surgery-as-fears-grow-he-may-lose-use-of-hand|work=Metro|publisher=Associated Newspapers|title=Robert Kubica faces elbow surgery as fears grow he may lose use of hand|archive-date=8 November 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121108023653/http://www.metro.co.uk/sport/855520-robert-kubica-faces-elbow-surgery-as-fears-grow-he-may-lose-use-of-hand|url-status=dead}}{{cite magazine|url=http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/89315|title=Kubica could be sidelined for 2011|magazine=Autosport|publisher=Haymarket Publications|date=6 February 2011|access-date=6 February 2011|first1=Jonathan|last1=Noble|first2=Michele|last2=Lostia}}{{cite magazine|url=http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/89316|title=Kubica's condition is 'stable but serious'|magazine=Autosport|publisher=Haymarket Publications|date=7 February 2011|access-date=6 February 2011|first1=Jonathan|last1=Noble}}

Kubica's recovery was dealt another setback after he re-broke his right leg, when he reportedly slipped on ice near his home in Italy, on 11 January 2012.{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/formula_one/16521193.stm|title=Robert Kubica breaks right leg in accident|date=11 January 2012|access-date=11 January 2012|work=BBC News}} He remained out of competitive racing for most of 2012,{{cite magazine|date=22 August 2012|title=F1 Return for Kubica Uncertain – Alonso|url=http://www.themotorreport.com.au/54863/f1-return-for-kubica-uncertain-alonso|magazine=The Motor Report|publisher=The Motor Report Pty Ltd.|access-date=22 August 2012|agency=GMM}} but returned to compete in the Ronde Gomitolo Di Lana in a WRC car on 9 September. He won the rally, finishing one minute ahead of the second placed driver.{{cite magazine|last=Beer|first=Matt|date=9 September 2012|title=Robert Kubica wins domestic rally on return to competition|url=http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/102422|magazine=Autosport|publisher=Haymarket Publications|access-date=15 December 2012}}File:Robert Kubica Rally Finland 2013 Surkee.JPG]]

In 2013, Kubica continued his return, focusing on rallying. He drove for Citroën in the European and WRC2 Championships. His first event was the Rally de Portugal, in which he was competitive, but crashed and issues with his car led to him finishing in 6th. Then, at the Acropolis Rally, Kubica won, finishing nearly 90 seconds ahead of second placed Yuriy Protasov. He repeated this success at the Rally d'Italia winning ahead of Abdulaziz Al-Kuwari by 4 minutes. At the 2013 Rally Finland Kubica lost to Jari Ketomaa by nearly 90 seconds. The Rallye Deutschland was a big success. Not only did the Pole win ahead of Elfyn Evans by 12.9 seconds, he became the leader of the WRC2 Championship. He re-gained this position (Al-Kuwari became the leader in Australia) at the Rallye de France, again beating Evans, this time by 4 minutes. He won again at the Rally RACC Catalunya, his fifth victory of the season. With this result he was able to clinch the championship, as his nearest rival Al-Kuwari was too far behind to regain the first position in the championship. Kubica conducted a number of simulator tests with the Mercedes Formula 1 team which showed promise, but limitations in the range of motion of his injured arm would prevent him from driving in twisty circuits like Monaco due to the tight confines of an F1 cockpit.{{cite magazine|date=12 November 2013|title=Kubica: F1 return nearly impossible.|url=http://www.crash.net/f1/news/198080/1/kubica-f1-return-nearly-impossible.html|magazine=Autosport|publisher=crash.net|access-date=11 January 2014}}

In 2014, Kubica started in the first round of the ERC season. He won the Internationale Jänner Rallye to claim his first victory in that championship, after coming very close on a number of occasions in 2014. His strong results in the stages for this rally eventually netted him the "Ice Master" trophy for the best driver in snow events that season. For the rest of the season, he participated in the main WRC class for the RK M-Sport, running as separate team, backed by Polish oil company Lotos. Kubica began his WRC campaign by taking the lead of the Monte Carlo Rally through the first two stages, but later retired on the second day after crashing out on SS9. Kubica suffered from a string of bad luck for the rest of the season, being fast on occasion but rarely managing to convert his speed into results. His best result was a 6th place at the Rally Argentina, a place lower than his highest finish in 2013 (5th in Germany) in a WRC-2 car. He finished the season in 16th place with 14 points. He finished the year on a positive note by winning the non-championship Monza Rally Show, beating motorcycle legend Valentino Rossi to second.

After speculation following the 2014 WRC season, Kubica announced he would be racing in 2015, still running Ford Fiesta RS WRC and backed by Lotos, albeit no longer prepared by M-Sport. In 2016 due to a lack of funding his sole WRC rally was the Monte Carlo.{{cite web|url=http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/122490|title=Ex-F1 driver Robert Kubica set to exit WRC after Monte Carlo Rally|last=Evans|first=David|date=14 January 2016 }}

In March 2016 he took part in the Mugello 12 Hours, a round of Creventic's International Endurance Series, in a GT3 Mercedes.{{cite web|url=http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/123355|title=First-lap clash disrupts Robert Kubica's circuit racing return|date=19 March 2016 }} In September 2016 he competed in the Renault Sport Trophy at the penultimate round of the season in Spa, Belgium.{{cite web|url=http://www.gpupdate.net/en/autosport-news/344401/kubica-to-race-in-renault-sport-trophy/|title=Kubica to race in Renault Sport Trophy|date=15 December 2023 }}

In January 2017, he took part in the first round of the 24H Series, the Dubai 24 Hour, driving a Förch Racing Porsche 911 GT3 in the A6-Pro class with co-drivers Robert Lukas, Marcin Jedliński, Wolf Henzler and Santiago Creel. This ended in retirement with undisclosed mechanical problems.{{cite web|url=https://www.24hseries.com/2017/24h-dubai-2017/results|title=24H SERIES 24H DUBAI 2017|website=24H SERIES|access-date=19 December 2017|archive-date=22 December 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171222051451/https://www.24hseries.com/2017/24h-dubai-2017/results|url-status=dead}}

On 2 February 2017, Kubica was signed by the ByKolles privateer LMP1 team in the FIA World Endurance Championship.{{cite web|last1=Klein|first1=Jamie|title=Ex-F1 driver Robert Kubica to race in WEC with ByKolles LMP1 team|url=http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/127976|website=Autosport.com|date=2 February 2017 }} This came after he tested their car in November 2016 during the WEC rookie test at Bahrain, and lapped faster than the team's regulars managed on the race weekend. Oliver Webb will remain with the team, with a third driver for the Nissan-powered CLM P1/01 yet to be named.{{citation needed|date=June 2017}} After the pre-season testing at Italy's Autodromo Nazionale Monza, where Kubica did not do any running, the driver announced via social media that he would not be participating{{cite web|url=https://www.facebook.com/KubicaOfficial/posts/1482557015096623 |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/iarchive/facebook/555335824485418/1482557015096623 |archive-date=2022-02-26 |url-access=limited|title=Robert Kubica|work=facebook.com|access-date=23 April 2017}}{{cbignore}} in the forthcoming season.

On 2 May 2017, Kubica partook in an independently organised test of a Formula E car at Donington Park, with an aim of partaking in the New York ePrix.{{cite web|url=https://www.motorsport.com/formula-e/news/kubica-tests-formula-e-car-at-donington-park-901206/|title=Kubica tests Formula E car at Donington Park|date=3 May 2017|access-date=4 May 2017}} This failed to happen.

On 5 June 2017, it was announced that Kubica would be driving in a Renault-organized test of their 2012 car, the Lotus E20, at Circuit Ricardo Tormo, his first Formula One event since his accident in 2011.{{cite web|last1=Chinchero|first1=Roberto|title=Robert Kubica set for first F1 test since accident in 2012 Lotus|url=http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/129946|website=Autosport.com|access-date=6 June 2017|date=5 June 2017}}

Renault organised a further test, with Renault managing director Cyril Abiteboul stating that "he was still quick, still consistent and more importantly he still has the enthusiasm he always carried to the team". He added that there were "no obvious roadblocks" to a Formula One return, and told NBC Sports that Kubica could be an option for 2018.

On 24 July 2017, it was announced that Kubica would participate in the test for Renault, which would be held after the conclusion of the Hungarian Grand Prix. Abiteboul, Renault's team managing director, said the test will allow the team to fully assess Kubica's current capabilities, and how likely he might be to "return to competition in the upcoming years".{{cite web|title=Kubica to drive 2017 Renault in F1's post-Hungary test|url=https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/headlines/2017/7/f1-kubica-2017-renault-hungary-test.html|website=formula1.com|access-date=24 July 2017|date=24 July 2017}} Kubica completed 142 laps of the Hungaroring on his return, finishing fourth-fastest nearly 1.5 seconds behind Sebastian Vettel.{{cite web|url=https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/headlines/2017/8/kubica-fourth-fastest-on-return-as-vettel-sets-testing-pace.html|title=Kubica fourth fastest on return as Vettel sets testing pace|website=formula1.com|access-date=9 September 2017}}

On 11 October 2017, Kubica completed a one-day test with Williams at Silverstone driving the 2014 FW36.{{cite web|url=https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/headlines/2017/10/kubica-completes-successful-test-with-williams.html|title=Kubica completes 'successful' test with Williams|website=formula1.com|access-date=12 October 2017}}{{cite web|url=http://m.gpupdate.net/en/f1-news/359627/kubica-completes-successful-williams-test/|title=Kubica completes 'successful' Williams test|website=GPUpdate.net|access-date=12 October 2017}} On 17 October 2017, Kubica had a second day of testing with Williams at the Hungaroring.{{cite web|url=https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/headlines/2017/10/kubica-completes-productive-second-test-with-williams.html|title=Kubica completes 'productive' second test with Williams|website=formula1.com|access-date=18 October 2017}}

After Felipe Massa announced his retirement from the sport for the second time,{{cite web|title=Massa to retire at end of 2017 F1 season|url=https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/headlines/2017/11/massa-to-leave-williams--retire-from-f1.html|website=Formula1.com|publisher=Formula One World Championship Limited|access-date=25 November 2017}} Kubica became one of the top contenders to take his seat at Williams Martini Racing.{{cite web|url=http://autoweek.com/article/formula-one/robert-kubica-still-needs-fia-clearance-prior-f1-return|title=Robert Kubica still needs FIA clearance for F1 return|work=Autoweek|publisher=Crain Communications|author=GMM|date=26 November 2017|access-date=28 November 2017|quote=Toto Wolff, who is pushing Williams to take Mercedes junior Pascal Wehrlein, insists that Kubica is the clear favorite.}} He then tested for them at the Yas Marina Circuit following the 2017 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix,{{cite news|last1=Gilboy|first1=James|title=Williams F1 Confirms Robert Kubica Will Drive Abu Dhabi Test|url=http://www.thedrive.com/start-finish/16362/williams-f1-confirms-robert-kubica-will-drive-abu-dhabi-test|access-date=25 November 2017|work=The Drive}} completing 100 laps in his first test with the team's 2017 FW40.{{cite web|url=https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/kubica-logs-100-laps-in-first-test-with-2017-williams-983787/|title=Kubica logs 100 laps in first test with 2017 Williams|work=Motorsport.com|publisher=Motorsport Network|last=Barretto|first=Lawerence|date=28 November 2017|access-date=28 November 2017}}{{cite web|url=https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/kubica-fitness-grand-prix-return-williams-test-983855/|title=Kubica: "I'm not driving one-handed"|work=Motorsport.com|publisher=Motorsport Network|last=Barretto|first=Lawerence|date=28 November 2017|access-date=28 November 2017}} He completed an additional 28 laps the next day and finished seventh fastest,{{cite web|url=https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/vettel-kubica-abu-dhabi-tyre-test-984249/|title=Vettel finishes F1 tyre test on top, Kubica seventh|work=Motorsport.com|publisher=Motorsport Network|date=29 November 2017|access-date=29 November 2017}} with Williams technical chief Paddy Lowe reporting that "there are no issues around" his injuries,{{cite web|url=http://www.espn.co.uk/f1/story/_/id/21604152/williams-says-there-no-issues-robert-kubica-limitations|title=Williams says there are 'no issues' with Robert Kubica limitations|work=ESPN UK|publisher=ESPN Internet Ventures|last=Saunders|first=Nate|date=29 November 2017|access-date=29 November 2017}}

File:2018 Austrian Grand Prix Kubica (41304584440).jpg|left]]

On 16 January 2018, it was announced that Kubica would become the reserve driver of Williams for the 2018 season. He took part in his first Grand Prix weekend since the final round of the 2010 campaign, in Friday's first practice session at the 2018 Spanish Grand Prix, outperforming teammate Lance Stroll.{{cite web|title=Robert Kubica: 2018 Williams F1 car not enjoyable to drive in Spain FP1|url=https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/135945/kubica-williams-not-enjoyable-to-drive|website=Autosport.com|date=11 May 2018 |publisher=Autosport|access-date=11 May 2018}}

File:FIA F1 Austria 2019 Nr. 88 Kubica 2.jpg]]

Before the final round of the 2018 season, Williams announced that Kubica would race full-time for the team in 2019, partnering 2018 Formula 2 champion George Russell. Kubica chose 88 as his driver number, previously used by Rio Haryanto in 2016.{{Cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/formula1/46300009|title=Robert Kubica: Polish driver to make F1 comeback with Williams in 2019|date=22 November 2018|work=BBC Sport|access-date=22 November 2018}}

The team struggled during the season, with the FW42 being the slowest car of the field. Kubica finished in 12th place at the German Grand Prix, however was promoted to 10th following penalties for Kimi Räikkönen and Antonio Giovinazzi, scoring his first point since his return to F1 and breaking the record of the longest time between successive points finishes.

On 19 September 2019, before the Singapore Grand Prix, Kubica announced his decision to end his stint at Williams after the end of the season. Williams released a statement shortly after, stating that Kubica would see out the remainder of the season but would vacate his driver position for the 2020 season.

File:Robert Kubica, 2019 Chinese GP.jpg]]

Kubica's first retirement since his return to the sport came in Russia, when Williams decided to retire his car to conserve parts after teammate Russell's race ended due to a wheel nut issue. Williams were criticised for the decision, particularly by Kubica's personal sponsors PKN Orlen.{{cite web|url=https://www.racefans.net/2019/10/03/williams-sponsor-orlen-wants-answers-over-kubicas-russian-gp-withdrawal/|title=Williams sponsor Orlen wants answers over Kubica's Russian GP withdrawal|website=racefans.net|date=3 October 2019|access-date=6 January 2020}} At the following race in Japan, Kubica criticised the team's decision to remove an upgraded front wing from his car for the race, after he had trialled it during practice sessions.{{cite web|url=https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/kubica-williams-japan-wing-strange-reasons/4557408/|title=Kubica says Williams 'crossed boundaries' by removing wing|website=motorsport.com|date=13 October 2019|access-date=6 January 2020}}

File:Robert Kubica during Hungarian Formula 1 Grand Prix.jpg]]

At the 2019 Brazilian Grand Prix, Kubica's Williams mechanics released him from his pit box too early, narrowly avoiding hitting Max Verstappen and holding him up in the pit lane.

Kubica ended a difficult season in 19th place in the championship with 1 point, finishing ahead of rookie teammate Russell in the standings. He decided to leave the team{{Cite web|url=https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.kubica-and-williams-to-part-company-at-the-end-of-2019.sP5AC5N65CUhxOkZ4BDcQ.html|title = Robert Kubica to leave Williams: Kubica and Williams to part company at the end of 2019 | Formula 1®}} and was replaced by 2019 Formula 2 runner-up Nicholas Latifi.

File:2022 French Grand Prix (52279351580).png during free practice for the 2022 French Grand Prix.]]

Kubica joined Alfa Romeo Racing in a reserve driver role for the 2020 season, returning to the team he made his Formula One debut with in {{F1|2006}} (when it was still known as BMW Sauber).{{Cite web|url=https://www.sauber-group.com/motorsport/f1-news/the-eagle-soars-as-pkn-orlen-joins-alfa-romeo-racing-as-official-co-title-sponsor/|title=The eagle soars as PKN ORLEN joins Alfa Romeo Racing as Official Co-Title Sponsor|website=sauber-group.com|date=1 January 2020|access-date=1 January 2020}} He competed at the pre-season test at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya and set the fastest laptime during the fourth day of testing. He was joined by 2019 F2 Championship driver Tatiana Calderón. During the season, Kubica completed tests at the Styrian, Hungarian, 70th Anniversary, Bahrain and Abu Dhabi Grands Prix. He also participated in the season-ending Abu Dhabi Young Drivers Test.{{Cite web|url=https://www.skysports.com/f1/news/24184/12162529/fernando-alonso-tops-young-driver-test-for-renault-on-f1-2020s-last-day|title=Fernando Alonso tops 'young driver test' for Renault on F1 2020's last days|work=Sky Sports|language=en|date=15 December 2020}}

Full-time Alfa Romeo driver Kimi Räikkönen tested positive for COVID-19 on the weekend of the Dutch Grand Prix, with Kubica replacing him.{{cite web|date=4 September 2021|title=Robert Kubica to compete in the 2021 Dutch Grand Prix|url=https://www.sauber-group.com/motorsport/f1-news/robert-kubica-to-compete-in-the-2021-dutch-grand-prix/|access-date=4 September 2021|website=sauber-group.com|publisher=Alfa Romeo Racing ORLEN}} He went on to qualify 18th and finish the race in 15th, while his teammate Antonio Giovinazzi dropped from 7th to 14th. Kubica also deputised for Räikkönen in the Italian Grand Prix at Monza.{{cite web|date=8 September 2021|title=Team Statement ahead of the Italian GP|url=https://twitter.com/alfaromeoracing/status/1435634320178388994|website=twitter.com|publisher=Alfa Romeo Racing ORLEN}} After qualifying 19th, and finishing the sprint qualifying in 18th after making contact with Yuki Tsunoda on the opening lap, he eventually went on to finish the Grand Prix in 14th.{{cite web|url=https://www.formula1.com/en/results.html/2021/races/1076/italy/race-result.html|title=Formula 1 Heineken Gran Premio d'Italia 2021 – Race Result|website=Formula1.com|date=12 September 2021|access-date=12 September 2021}} Despite participating in only two races, Kubica finished the 2021 season in 20th place out of 21 drivers, ahead of Nikita Mazepin.

Prior to the two races in which he participated, Kubica drove in three free practice sessions in 2021 at the Spanish, Styrian and Hungarian Grands Prix, in addition to two days of Pirelli tyre testing for the 18-inch tyres.{{Cite web|date=11 May 2021|title=Pirelli resumes 18-inch tyre testing as Alfa Romeo runs 2022 wheel covers|url=https://www.motorsportweek.com/2021/05/11/pirelli-resumes-18-inch-tyre-testing-as-alfa-romeo-runs-2022-wheel-covers/|access-date=21 May 2021|website=Motorsport Week|language=en-GB}}

For 2022, Kubica remained as a reserve and test driver. He took part in free practice for the Spanish, French, Hungarian and Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.{{Cite web|title=Robert Kubica to take part in Barcelona practice|date=19 May 2022|url=https://www.sauber-group.com/motorsport/f1-news/robert-kubica-to-take-part-in-barcelona-practice/|access-date=22 July 2022|website=sauber-group.com}}{{Cite web|title=Kubica to get back behind the wheel at the French GP|date=21 July 2022|url=https://racingnews365.com/kubica-to-get-back-behind-the-wheel-at-the-french-gp|access-date=22 July 2022|website=racingnews365.com}}{{Cite web |title=KUB is back! Robert will be in the car for FP1 in this weekend's #AbuDhabiGP, taking over Zhou's car on Friday.|url=https://twitter.com/alfaromeoorlen/status/1593126518884302850 |access-date=2022-11-17 |website=Twitter |language=en}}

Alfa Romeo's main sponsor Orlen moved to Scuderia AlphaTauri for the 2023 F1 season, resulting in Kubica leaving the team.{{Cite web|last=Cooper|first=Adam|url=https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/kubica-out-of-f1-as-orlen-moves-to-alphatauri-and-alfa-romeo-lands-new-sponsor/10425089/|date=27 January 2023|title=Kubica out of F1 as Orlen moves to AlphaTauri and Alfa Romeo lands new sponsor|access-date=27 January 2023|website=Motorsport.com}}

Kubica replaced Jan Magnussen for the final two rounds in Bahrain. Competing in both the Six Hours and Eight Hours of Bahrain in November 2021 with Anders Fjordbach and Dennis Andersen.

In January 2022, it was announced that Kubica would be joining the Prema Orlen Team to compete in the World Endurance Championship (WEC) during the 2022 season.{{Cite news|url=https://www.motorsport.com/wec/news/prema-lmp2-drivers-kubica-deletraz/7211561/|date=12 January 2022|access-date=3 April 2024|work=Motorsport.com|last=Klein|first=Jamie|title=Kubica, Deletraz join Prema LMP2 team for 2022 WEC season|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230313034148/https://www.motorsport.com/wec/news/prema-lmp2-drivers-kubica-deletraz/7211561/|archive-date=13 March 2023|url-status=live}}

In the previous season, Kubica achieved success with Orlen Team WRT in the European Le Mans Series, marking his debut in endurance racing. His team secured victory in three rounds.

In October of that year, Kubica participated in two rounds of the FIA WEC season in Bahrain with High-Class Racing, contributing to the Danish team clinching the podium twice in the ProAm class.

Throughout the 2022 season, Kubica competed in the World Endurance Championship across six races spanning three continents. This included prestigious events such as the 24 Hours of Le Mans at Circuit de la Sarthe and the 1,000-mile race at Sebring in the USA.

File:2023 6 Hours of Spa-Francorchamps Team WRT Oreca 07 - Gibson No.41 (DSC08694).jpg.]]

Kubica returned with WRT after a season spent with Prema. Kubica secured the LMP2 class championship.

For the 2024 season, Kubica would step up to the Hypercar class to drive the #83 Ferrari 499P of AF Corse in the WEC, partnering Ye Yifei and Robert Shwartzman.{{Cite web |title=Kubica Confirmed At AF Corse For 2024 {{!}} dailysportscar.com |url=https://www.dailysportscar.com/2023/11/22/kubica-confirmed-at-af-corse-for-2024.html |access-date=2024-02-29 |website=www.dailysportscar.com}} On 1 September, he won the Lone Star Le Mans race becoming only the third racing driver in history to win a Formula 1 race and a WEC race after Fernando Alonso and Mark Webber.{{Cite web |url=https://kronika24.pl/austin-robert-kubica-triumfuje-w-wec-polak-przeszedl-do-historii-jako-trzeci-kierowca-na-swiecie/ |language=pl |title=Austin. Robert Kubica triumfuje w WEC. Polak przeszedł do historii jako trzeci kierowca na świecie |website=kronika24.pl |date=2 September 2024 |access-date=2 September 2024}}

{{sup|†}} As Kubica was a guest driver, he was ineligible to score points.

^‡ Points only counted towards the Michelin Endurance Cup, and not the overall LMP2 Championship.

^* Season still in progress.

(key) (Races in bold indicate pole position) (Races in italics indicate fastest lap)

(key) (Races in bold indicate pole position) (Races in italics indicate fastest lap)

(key) (Races in bold indicate pole position) (Races in italics indicate fastest lap)

(key) (Races in bold indicate pole position) (Races in italics indicate fastest lap)

(key) (Races in bold indicate pole position) (Races in italics indicate fastest lap)

{{smallsup|†}} Did not finish, but was classified as he had completed more than 90% of the race distance.

(key) (Races in bold indicate pole position; races in italics indicate fastest lap)

(key) (Races in bold indicate pole position; races in italics indicate fastest lap)

^† Points only counted towards the Michelin Endurance Cup, and not the overall LMP2 Championship.

(key) (Races in bold indicate pole position; results in italics indicate fastest lap)

(key) (Races in bold indicate pole position) (Races in italics indicate fastest lap)

|style="background:#;"| LMS
{{small|}}

|style="background:#;"| SÃO
{{small|}}

|style="background:#;"| COA
{{small|}}

|style="background:#;"| FUJ
{{small|}}

|style="background:#;"| BHR
{{small|}}

|

!style="background:#DFDFDF;"| 2nd*

!style="background:#DFDFDF;"| 39*

|}

^* Season still in progress.

{{notelist}}

{{reflist}}

All Formula One race and championship results are taken from:

• Official Formula 1 Website. Archive: Results for 2006 – Present seasons [http://www.formula1.com/archive/driver/detail/2006/815/118.html Formula1.com]. Retrieved 22 August 2006

{{commons|Robert Kubica}}

• {{Official website|http://www.kubica.pl}} {{in lang|pl|en}}
• {{DriverDB driver|robert-kubica}}
• [http://www.4mula1.ro/history/driver/Robert_Kubica Kubica statistics in Formula One]
• {{IMDb name|2651927}}
• [http://www.ausmotive.com/2011/02/09/kubica-continues-to-improve-as-co-driver-hits-out.html Pictures of his rally car after the 2011 crash]

{{s-start}}

{{s-sports}}

{{succession box|title=Formula Renault 3.5 Series
Champion|before=Heikki Kovalainen|after=Alx Danielsson|years=2005}}

{{succession box|title=WRC2
Champion|before=Craig Breen
(S-WRC)|after=Nasser Al-Attiyah|years=2013}}

{{succession box|title= European Le Mans Series
LMP2 Champion|before=Phil Hanson
Filipe Albuquerque|after=Louis Delétraz
Ferdinand Habsburg|years= 2021|with=Yifei Ye & Louis Delétraz}}

{{succession box | before = António Félix da Costa
Roberto González
Will Stevens| title = FIA Endurance Trophy for LMP2 Drivers| years=2023|with=Rui Andrade & Louis Delétraz|after=None
(Class discontinued)}}

{{succession box|title= European Le Mans Series
LMP2 Champion|before=Alex Lynn
Kyffin Simpson
James Allen|after=Incumbent|years= 2024|with=Louis Delétraz & Jonny Edgar}}

{{s-ach|aw}}

{{succession box|before=Felipe Massa|title=Lorenzo Bandini Trophy|years=2008|after=Sebastian Vettel}}

{{succession box|before=Inaugural|title=FIA Personality of the Year|years=2013|after=Lewis Hamilton}}

{{s-end}}

{{WEC LMP2 teams}}

{{Prema Racing}}

{{Alfa Romeo F1}}

{{Renault F1}}

{{BMW Formula One}}

{{Awards of Plebiscite of Przegląd Sportowy}}

{{Authority control}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Kubica, Robert}}

Category:1984 births

Category:Living people

Category:Formula Renault Eurocup drivers

Category:Formula 3 Euro Series drivers

Category:World Series Formula V8 3.5 drivers

Category:Intercontinental Rally Challenge drivers

Category:Italian Formula Renault 2.0 drivers

Category:Karting World Championship drivers

Category:Polish expatriate sportspeople in Monaco

Category:Polish Formula One drivers

Category:Polish racing drivers

Category:Polish rally drivers

Category:Renault Formula One drivers

Category:Sauber Formula One drivers

Category:Williams Formula One drivers

Category:Formula One race winners

Category:Sportspeople from Kraków

Category:World Rally Championship drivers

Category:European Rally Championship drivers

Category:24 Hours of Daytona drivers

Category:24H Series drivers

Category:Brazilian Formula Renault 2.0 drivers

Category:British Formula Three Championship drivers

Category:Deutsche Tourenwagen Masters drivers

Category:FIA World Endurance Championship drivers

Category:24 Hours of Le Mans drivers

Category:European Le Mans Series drivers

Category:WeatherTech SportsCar Championship drivers

Category:Alfa Romeo Formula One drivers

Category:Carlin racing drivers

Category:ART Grand Prix drivers

Category:Prema Powerteam drivers

Category:Mücke Motorsport drivers

Category:Epsilon Euskadi drivers

Category:Target Racing drivers

Category:RC Motorsport drivers

Category:Citroën Racing drivers

Category:W Racing Team drivers

Category:Manor Motorsport drivers

Category:M-Sport drivers

Category:Polish expatriate sportspeople in Italy

Category:AF Corse drivers

Category:TF Sport drivers

Category:Duqueine Team drivers