Kubica analyses: 'If you push the limit too much, a F1 car takes off'

Robert Kubica was predicted a great future in Formula 1. The Pole could never fulfill that promise, because he severely injured his hand in an accident. Kubica no longer has a racing seat, but as a test driver for Alfa Romeo, he still puts in miles in a Formula 1 car.

Different driving behaviour

Kubica has been around for many years. So he knows better than anyone how the cars of then and now differ from each other. In conversation with Auto, Motor und Sport he discusses these differences, whereby the weight of the car struck him the most. The Pole was not in an F1 car between 2012 and 2017 and says he was shocked at how heavy the cars had become in that interim period. According to him, the handling was completely different, as you feel the weight in the cockpit and in slow corners the car is slower.

But the biggest difference between an F1 car now and ten years ago, is how relatively slow a correction is to make. Kubica cites the sudden loss of grip as an example. "If you look at videos from the past, you see that the cars react much faster and more directly to steering movements. It used to be easier to control the car. Today, if you push the limit too much, you take off," says Kubica.

Slower

The increased weight makes races completely different. In the past - when refuelling was still possible - a driver drove constantly on the limit. According to Kubica, drivers are now driving slower because they have to save tyres, fuel, and have to use the same engine for longer periods of time.