Despite the poignancy of the occasion following news of Charlie Whiting's death, there was a magical moment during today's press conference when the assembled drivers applauded Robert Kubica on his return to the grid.

Moments earlier, the Pole had given everyone something to smile about when he was asked what he thought of the decision to award a point to the driver posting the fastest race lap. "I don't think it's going to affect us for a while," he replied.

At which point, Daniel Ricciardo paid tribute to his colleague.

"I don't think we all know the extent of what he has been through to get back here," said the Australian. "It is a testament to his character but it's awesome to see him back.

"I've known him from when I moved to Europe back in 2007 which feels like a long time but yeah, just a testament to his character and I won't ask for everyone to applaud but I really think it's awesome for him to be here. We can applaud, yeah."

At which point, Sebastian Vettel, Lewis Hamilton, Max Verstappen and Ricciardo broke into applause for their colleague.

"It has been a long time away from the sport," said the Williams driver. "Not really a lot of time to think about the emotions. You are focused on the job and learn as much as you can about the new F1 and trying to be ready.

"We didn't have a perfect start to winter testing," he added. "Let's see. We just have to maximise what we have."

Check out our Thursday gallery from Melbourne, here.

LATEST NEWS

more news >

LATEST IMAGES

galleries >

Click to go to the main galleries section

READERS COMMENTS

1. Posted by 4-Wheel Drifter, 15/03/2019 1:34

"Kubica, like Raikkonen, is a racer, not a strategist like Michael and Lewis. What I mean by this is that he is ALWAYS on the edge and looking for any opportunity to get round whoever is in front of them, even when it's a matter of inches of opportunity. I'm just hoping the television people are smart enough to pay attention to how far from the back he can drag the poor Williams and show us some exciting driving.

"

Rating: Neutral (0) Rate comment: Positive | NegativeReport this comment

2. Posted by jasman, 14/03/2019 16:03

"'there but for the grace of god go I'"

Rating: Neutral (0) Rate comment: Positive | NegativeReport this comment

Drivers literally applaud Kubica's return

LATEST NEWS

RELATED ARTICLES

LATEST IMAGES

POST A COMMENT

Post your comment

READERS COMMENTS

Share this page