F1: Robert Kubica’s broken hand, Renault’s broken heart…

Tough, not made of steel. Photo: Lotus Renault GP

When Robert Kubica of the Lotus-Renault F1 team suffered devastating injuries in a rally crash, our first thought was: nuts! That’s the expletive our grandmother used to shout and it still fits.  It seems a little insane to allow a top-flight F1 driver to participate in a meaningless off-season rally just for kicks.  Things tend to go wrong at unexpected times in racing; this time, it cost the Polish driver a broken hand, multiple fractures and leaving him in a medically-induced coma.

We love Kubica for his talent and toughness (this is the man who survived a 75g crash in the Canadian Grand Prix and wanted to race the following week), but his judgment leaves a little to be desired.  The price of his off-season indulgence is to miss the beginning (if not all) of the 2011 season.  The team’s second driver is an inexperienced Russian; Kubica was supposed to bring home vital constructor’s points, while keeping McLaren, Ferrari and Red Bull honest.  Renault – engineers, mechanics, the lot – have invested too much effort to allow something like this to ruin their season.

Kubica’s life is not in mortal danger, but his body is battered and shaken.  And hand injuries are devastating.  We know; we broke our left hand and it never properly healed.  It only bothers us in one situation: when we grip the steering wheel of a car.

Something to think about next time you’re drafting an F1 driver’s contract.

Follow up: on February 10, 2011, Renault team principal Eric Boullier told reporters that Renault will not restrict driver’s activities.  “I’m sorry, I stick to my point of view”, he said.  “I am a racing guy and I know Robert for four or five years. He’s a racing guy.”  Yet, Jackie Stewart – who holds three F1 titles and was a champion of safety during his career – has criticized the team.  “You’ve got to look after that investment” the Scot said.

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