Max Verstappen hails former F1 rival: 'Destined for greater things'

Max Verstappen has praised former F1 rival Robert Kubica, saying the Pole was "destined for greater things" in the sport before his career was cut short by a rally crash.

Why it matters:

Kubica was a standout talent in the late 2000s, reportedly bound for Ferrari in 2012. The accident that derailed him remains one of F1's great "what ifs," and Verstappen's tribute shows the respect he still commands.

The details:

• Verstappen: "He had a lot of talent. If you ask anyone in this paddock or previous people who have raced with him, he was destined for even greater things to achieve in F1."
• Kubica's F1 career (2006-2010) included a famous win for BMW Sauber in Canada 2008.
• A near-fatal rally crash in early 2011 ended his Ferrari dreams and forced him out of F1.

The big picture:

Kubica returned to F1 with Williams in 2019, but a tough season led him to endurance racing. Last year, he won the 24 Hours of Le Mans with Ferrari.

Verstappen, an avid WEC follower, said: "For him to win Le Mans is, for everyone, a dream. To see him achieve it was really nice to see."

What's next:

Kubica remains a factory Ferrari driver in WEC, while Verstappen continues to follow his progress. The respect between them highlights the talent that once captivated F1.