Ferrari have revealed that they were interested in signing Robert Kubica to partner Fernando Alonso, but concluded that the Polish driver would likely never be fit enough to return to Formula 1.
In an interview, team principal Stefano Domenicali admitted hiring the former-Renault driver, who was badly injured in a rally accident, was a possibility but was wrote-off due to the extent of his injuries.
“Yes, we were keeping an eye on him,” said the Italian, who doesn’t believe Kubica will ever return despite winning several rallies since.
“Unfortunately, I don’t think he will be back, because with his physical problem, he would struggle in certain limited situations which require reactivity. It’s a shame.”
Domenicali also spoke of his and Ferrari’s relationship with Fernando Alonso which has looked strained this season.
The Spaniard has been outspoken about the team which earned him a public rebuke from president Luca di Montezemolo, but not Domenicali. However he revealed he spoke with Alonso in private.
“If I have something to say to him, as would be the case with my engineers, I would do it behind closed doors and in a harsh manner.
“But externally, I will always defend the team. When he [Alonso] crossed the line, president Montezemolo intervened and in private. So did I.”
