Hulkenberg accepts chance of F1 exit

Nico Hulkenberg says he will not remain in Formula 1 in 2020 if the deal doesn't "make sense".

The German will lose his Renault seat to Esteban Ocon next year and saw talks with Haas end with the American squad opting to retain Romain Grosjean alongside Kevin Magnussen.

Remaining seats are already thin on the ground. Hulkenberg has been mentioned as an outside option for Red Bull, but team boss Christian Horner is keen to continue with their philosophy of promoting from within the system.

It leaves a spot at Williams, Hulkenberg's first F1 team who now prop up the championship, and Alfa Romeo, with Auto Bild claiming that Antonio Giovinazzi's seat could well open up for the German amid the Italian struggling to match the performances and results of experienced colleague Kimi Raikkonen.

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With Robert Kubica having announced his departure from Williams the same day that the Haas door was shut on Hulkenberg, he suggested that a return to Grove would be of little interest.

"As much as I want to continue in Formula 1, for me, it needs to make sense," said Hulkenberg.

"It needs to be sensible, it needs to be the right deal. I'm not desperate to stay in Formula 1 and just take anything.

"I'm not disregarding or disrespecting Williams. I mean in generally, globally, even with Haas now. That for me, that is the most important thing for me.

"I think you see and understand for yourself what is still available, which seats and which not. I think that's pretty obvious.

"Right now, I don't know. I think it's to an extent out of my control now, out of my hands.

"The most important is to drive and to perform.

"I think we just need time. I think there are possibilities and a realistic chance. But in this game, you can never be too sure."

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