Vettel’s “mixed feelings” on Kubica’s return

Sebastian Vettel has said that he has “mixed feelings” about Robert Kubica’s return to Formula 1 after eight years and a horrific injury.

Kubica’s patience over the past two years have paid off for him in getting a full-time seat at Williams for 2019. He had tested for Renault in August 2017 and Williams at the end of the 2017 season in Abu Dhabi but was made reserve driver for Williams for 2018.

When talking to Blick’s reporter Roger Benoit, Vettel said “I have mixed feelings.”

"On the one hand, it pleases me personally. No one can even imagine how hard it was for him and what he went through."

"On the other hand, there are also young drivers who deserve a chance.”

There are going to be a few new young drivers in 2019 with George Russell, the FIA Formula 2 Champion, joining Kubica in the other seat at Williams. As well as Lando Norris being given a seat at McLaren, Alexander Albon is in the Toro Rosso.

Vettel, after his frustrating year in the drivers championship, admitted that having some guidance from his mentor and friend Michael Schumacher could have helped.

"Michael has spent many years in Maranello and his spirit still hovers over the team!”

"With Michael, we would be speaking the language of the driver and not the engineer, and that's why talking to him would be extremely helpful."

"I always had a great relationship with Michael anyway. Yes, I miss him."