Haas Approaches Kubica Concerning Simulator Driver Role For 2020 Season

Haas Formula 1 team struggles with their 2019 car are well known, so it is not surprising the Americans are keen on signing Robert Kubica from Williams, as a simulator driver for next year’s season.

The 34-year-old has already announced his departure from Williams at the end of the season.

Haas team principal, Guenther Steiner, told media outlets they have been in discussions with Kubica concerning a role in their team as a test driver as they need to refine the simulator.

He added Haas was at a good place, but they have to take the next step. Kubica would be one of the most qualified and appropriate to help them do that.

Any deal would also mean an unspecified number of outings in first free practice during the race weekends. Apparently, the simulator drivers have all the in-car time they need to correlate the simulator work with what the car is doing.

Kubica and his sponsor, Orlen, have voiced their intention to remain involved in Formula 1 even after his departure from Williams.

The veteran driver would probably be open to a development role with the US racing team. Guenther would probably be more interested if Kubica’s agreement comes with revenue from Orlen.

Haas’s championship campaign this year has been undermined by chronic tire problems, which the team is still struggling to understand. A lack of development within the simulator is also not helping efforts to solve these problems.

Steiner stated once they get into a position regarding the tires, they would be able to align the problems on the track with what is going on in the simulator and avoid any issues they have been facing.

Should the deal go through, Steiner also envisages it would mean time in the car for Kubica for the first practice sessions, which he would probably not mind at all.

When asked about his current relationship with Williams after a tough season for them, Kubica claimed there was no tension.

He stated it is not easy, but he has a good relationship with the team.

Kubica, though, would not be drawn on Steiner’s sentiments about their discussions. He did say there were some chances he could be involved with other roles in the F1 Paddock though he would want to be a part of the racing because it was the aspect of the new position which appealed to him.

He finished by saying he would consider other possibilities in the future after first sorting out his current situation and the deal with Haas.