Jacques Villeneuve thinks Robert Kubica's return to F1 is "terrible" for the sport.

After an eight-year absence to recover from and adjust to his permanent arm injuries sustained in a 2011 rallying crash, Kubica finished dead last on his Melbourne return.

Villeneuve, the outspoken 1997 world champion, said the return is nonetheless a "great achievement" for the Pole.

"If you have done something that you love and it is taken away, you will work even harder to get it back," he told the Dutch publication Formule 1.

"If I were in his shoes, I would do the same."

But for F1 overall, Villeneuve said Kubica coming back is "terrible".

"Formula one should be the pinnacle of racing, so it's not good for the sport if someone with a disability can participate.

"Maybe in other classes, but not formula one. F1 must be difficult and almost unreachable. Robert's return is not the right message," said the Canadian.


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17 F1 Fan comments on “Villeneuve: Kubica return 'terrible' for F1

  1. Lingard Goulding

    Villeneuve's comment is mean-spirited. Besides, it is far too early to determine how successful Kubica's return will be. His Williams car is so deplorably bad and slow that there will be no opportunity for him and Russell to join the mid-field battle in the foreseeable future.

    Reply
  2. Cem

    "it's not good for the sport if someone with a disability can participate."....."Robert's return is not the right message"

    What did I just read? How on earth can someone think like this? So he thinks we havr to limit what people with physical disabilities can do? I am very disappointed with Villeneuve. That statement is awful!

    Reply
  3. John Carey

    Dreadful comment, its like saying you shouldn't compete in F1 because your eyesight isnt 100% without wearing spectacles or contact lenses like you Villeneuve

    Reply
  4. Norm Beeching

    F1 had far better and relevant drivers available, such as Massa, Ocon, etc. this choice of Williams is another example of their rapid decline as a business. They’re too far down the slippery slope to ever get back. VW / Porsche should step in.

    Reply
  5. Pam

    Disgraceful comment! When Nikki Lauda had his accident and nearly died - then came back to F1 with huge physical injuries should this have been allowed? Just shows how simple minded Vileneune and bigoted he is!! He needs to sh*t up!!

    Reply
  6. Gerry

    The fact is the way he said it is wrong, however I think the cars are to physical with his type of injury but I give Robert 10 out 10 for trying and let's see how he performs next race before anyone makes any further judgements.

    Reply
    • Bent spanner

      The F1 cars of today with power steering, magic gear change systems,ect,make it possible for drivers with restricted arm movement to drive with confidence.I speak with personal experience
      having lost radial movement in my left arm ,many years ago . I continued to race cars/motorcycles
      You learn to adapt to the challenge.NO TEAM would take the risk if they were not convinced
      of safety and ability.

      Reply
  7. Keith Loynes

    I never thought that "Young" Villeneuve was fit to lace his fathers boots. The only area where he seems to have more capacity than others is his mouth.

    Reply
  8. Alan

    Douglas Bader lost his legs in a 'plane crash but later flew a Spitfire in the Battle of Britain. Villeneuve won an F1 world championship with defective eye-sight. Where's the problem?

    Reply
    • Bent spanner

      Only in the minds of clowns and muppets,who have access to the site.Right minded people see true grit,We must endeavor to endure,be thiere moto

      Reply
  9. RAY BORG

    Give Kubica a chance for heavens sake.This Williams car is not in the same league that Jacques Villeneuve had at the time.Sure wish this brave driver the best of luck.

    Reply

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