Robert Kubica had a strong season in the World Endurance Championship, competing in the Hypercar class for AF Corse.
The Polish driver raced the Ferrari 499P run by AF Corse in a privateer entry alongside two factory Ferrari’s this season.
Kubica partnered Robert Shwartzman, who is moving to IndyCar for 2025 as well as Chinese driver Yifei Ye in a formidable line-up.
The No. 83 car started well, taking fourth place at the season opener at the Qatar 1812 km before taking victory at Lone Star Le Mans.
Kubica won at Circuit of The Americas, Ferrari’s first win in the category outside of the 24 Hours of Le Mans.
The Polish driver explained to Sportscar365 why he feels Le Mans is a very difficult race to win if you aren’t driving a factory-run car.
Robert Kubica feels Le Mans is ‘impossible’ to win for privateers as teams may prioritise factory cars
Ferrari have been very competitive at Le Mans since joining the Hypercar class, winning this season and last year to end Toyota’s era of domination.
It can be difficult for privateer cars, and Kubica retired from the race, failing to see the chequered flag after enjoying a spell in the lead.
Kubica had good speed but the No. 83 car was awarded a penalty after an incident with the BMW of Dries Vanthoor. They retired with fours to go after the hybrid system failed.
The Polish driver explained that the car may have had the speed to win the race, but previous experience taught him that anything is possible before the finish.
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He said: “This year we can say we were in an impossible fight. I still think we had the pace, but you have to be there for the last hour, or even the last lap to fight. My first Le Mans [in 2021] taught me you can go into the last lap at Le Mans leading and still not win.
“I still believe that factory cars and teams have more chances to win. If I had to bet on who will win, I would choose a factory car. But if it doesn’t mean if I stay next year, we won’t be in a position to repeat what we did this year, hopefully with a better result.”
Robert Kubica is likely to continue with the No. 83 Ferrari next season
Kubica is likely to stay in the World Endurance Championship for a second season as he looks to improve with the No. 83 Ferrari.
Shwartzman is moving to race in IndyCar, allowing Phil Hanson to take the vacant spot alongside Kubica and Ye in 2025.
Heading into next season, the team will be looking to match their factory-run teammates and build on the victory at Lone Star Le Mans.