Hamilton wants Kubica to stay in F1

Lewis Hamilton hopes to see Robert Kubica back in the Formula 1 paddock in 2020, after the Pole confirmed he will leave Williams at the end of the season.

Kubica secured a racing return to F1 this season, having spent eight years off the grid since suffering life-altering injuries in a rally crash.

Both Hamilton and Kubica's first full campaign in F1 came in 2007 and the pair were often in close quarters the following year as Hamilton won the championship, while Kubica impressed with BMW-Sauber, winning the Canadian GP.

And with the pair going a long way back, Hamilton says Kubica has the talent to impress in F1, despite a season of struggle with Williams.

"I've known Robert probably the longest I would say. We started racing together in go-karts, like 1997 probably," Hamilton said.

"For me Robert's one of the most talented drivers that I've competed against. As I said from that beginning I already saw the talent that he had and naturally when he got to Formula 1 - it's been a long time, he's quite old now! – no, it's still there when you have it.

"I think what's really remarkable is the strength and determination he's shown, particularly through the incident that he had. Not a lot of people can come from those kind of circumstances and come back and make it back into the sport and deliver against others who don't have the same situation that he's been in.

"So I think it's been great to have him back, it's definitely not the same scenarios as when he was in a more competitive team back in the day, but I think he's done great this year.

"We need the best talent in the sport and we obviously need them to be as high up as possible, creating a part of the show.

"I hope stays. I understand his position and I don't know what's given him the reason to make the decision but I hope there's a position for him next year."

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