McLaren Passed on Robert Kubica Over 'Too Big' Nose, Ex-Official Claims

A former McLaren communications chief has revealed a bizarre reason the team allegedly passed on signing Robert Kubica as Lewis Hamilton's teammate in 2008: then-CEO Martin Whitmarsh reportedly remarked that Kubica's nose was "too big." The claim, made by Matt Bishop, highlights a peculiar focus on driver aesthetics at the top of the sport, even when evaluating elite talent.

Why it matters:

This anecdote offers a rare glimpse into the unconventional factors that can influence driver selection at the pinnacle of motorsport. It suggests that beyond on-track performance, a driver's marketability and physical appearance have long been critical, sometimes unspoken, criteria for top teams like McLaren, potentially altering the course of a talented driver's career.

The details:

• The Remark: Matt Bishop, who worked as McLaren's communications boss from 2008-2017, disclosed on his podcast that Martin Whitmarsh aired reservations about Kubica's appearance. Bishop recalled Whitmarsh saying, "one of the problems with Kubica... was that his nose was too big."
• A Joke or Culture?: Bishop clarified he was not certain if Whitmarsh was joking but noted that the CEO believed drivers "should look a certain way," a standard he claimed was inherited from the team's legendary principal, Ron Dennis.
• The Outcome: McLaren ultimately signed Heikki Kovalainen to partner Hamilton for the 2008 season. Kubica remained with BMW Sauber and went on to score his sole Formula 1 victory that year in Canada.
• Kubica's Path: The Polish driver's career was tragically derailed by a devastating rally crash in 2011. After a remarkable fight back, he returned to F1 with Williams in 2019 and recently achieved a lifelong dream by winning the 24 Hours of Le Mans with Ferrari.

Between the lines:

The story is less about Kubica's nose and more about the enduring "looks grading" in F1. As Bishop's co-presenter noted, modern drivers often resemble "boy bands," suggesting this emphasis on aesthetics has not disappeared but perhaps evolved. The incident serves as a stark reminder that in the high-stakes world of Formula 1, a driver's brand can be just as important as their lap times.