Nick Heidfeld wore Robert Kubica’s ’RK’ logo and an image of the Polish flag on his helmet as he achieved his first podium of the 2011 season at Sepang.
The German driver, who was Kubica’s BMW teammate some years ago, is substituting for the Pole this year as he recovers from injuries sustained in a horror rally crash.
"I wanted you to see that I’m thinking of you," Heidfeld wrote to Kubica in a note published exclusively by Bild newspaper.
"I wanted the fans to know that you’re a part of formula one and this team," the 33-year-old Renault driver added.
In the black Renault R31 in Malaysia, Heidfeld finished third behind winner Sebastian Vettel and Jenson Button, two weeks after Vitaly Petrov stood on the podium in the sister car in Melbourne.
"I often thought of you during the race," Heidfeld continued in his newspaper message to Kubica.
"When I crossed the finish line, only the happy emotions entered my head. I knew you were thinking ’What a great car Lotus-Renault have this year. I will return as soon as possible and drive it’. For this I hope you make good progress with the rehab. Get well soon!", concluded Heidfeld.