Robert Kubica has responded to Sebastian Vettel questioning his Formula 1 return in 2019 with Williams.

Talking to Swiss publication Blick, the four-time world champion said he was pleased to see the Polish driver back but wondered if his seat would have been better given to a younger driver.

At recently turned 34, Kubica will be the second oldest driver on the grid behind Kimi Raikkonen but he also reminded Vettel that he was now one of the sport's elder statesmen at 31.

“You also can’t really say that Vettel is a lot younger than me," he was quoted by PlanetF1. "On the other hand, there are a lot of young drivers who are entering F1. My teammate for example.”

Indeed, 20-year-old F2 champion George Russell will join Kubica at Williams while 19-year-old Lando Norris joins McLaren and 22-year-old Alexander Albon heads to Toro Rosso.

A pair of 21-year-old's will also race at the front in Charles Leclerc and Max Verstappen while new Red Bull driver Pierre Gasly is a year older.

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• Williams: 'No one in the team' has doubts over Kubica

Kubica does admit though that while most are happy to see him get a second chance eight years after his horrific rally crash, some will still be critical.

“Everyone has their own opinion,” he said. “Not everyone has to be happy that I am coming back.

"Certainly, when it comes to other drivers it’s normal that the competition is big.