Robert Kubica is poised to continue his journey with the AF Corse customer Hypercar team in the World Endurance Championship (WEC) next season, following an encouraging performance throughout the 2024 season. The former Formula 1 race winner expressed his desire to remain with the team during an interview with Motorsport.com after the WEC finale in Bahrain, where he indicated that his commitment was not limited to a single year, stating, "I didn't come here for just one year."
Kubica’s remarks underscore his dedication to the team and the project as they prepare for the challenges of the upcoming season. He acknowledged, however, that there is significant work ahead. Despite securing a victory at the Austin race in September, the team struggled to consistently compete against the factory AF team over the course of the season. “It is not an easy decision, so we will see,” Kubica noted, highlighting the complexities involved in finalizing his future with the team.
During the WEC finale weekend, Kubica held discussions with team principal Amato Ferrari, where both parties conveyed a mutual interest in continuing their partnership. Ferrari shared his optimism regarding Kubica’s return, remarking, "Everything is positive and we all want Robert back, but no deal is done." This sentiment was echoed by Antonello Coletta, the head of Ferrari's sportscar racing division, who expressed hope that Kubica would remain with the team, saying, “Our dream is to maintain Robert with us.”
Following the race, Kubica stayed at the Bahrain International Circuit to support Phil Hanson’s initial test in the Ferrari he will race in the WEC next year. Hanson is transitioning from the British Jota customer Porsche team, which is set to become Cadillac's factory WEC squad. This shift indicates a strategic move within the team as they prepare for the next season.
In addition to Kubica's situation, it was confirmed that Robert Shwartzman will be departing from Ferrari's lineup at the end of the year. Coletta disclosed that the 25-year-old driver had decided to pursue different opportunities outside of both the AF team and Ferrari's factory driver roster. Shwartzman's exit represents a significant change for the team as they look to finalize their driver lineup for the upcoming season.
As Kubica contemplates his future with the AF Corse team, he remains focused on the potential for improvement and success in the WEC. The upcoming season presents an opportunity for both Kubica and the team to build on their experiences and strive for better performance against their competitors, particularly the factory teams. With the right preparations and continued collaboration, Kubica aims to make a lasting impact in the 2024 World Endurance Championship.
