Hulkenberg: F1 career over if no 2020 seat

Nico Hulkenberg says he is unlikely to contemplate a return to Formula 1 at a later date if he drops off the grid in 2020.

After his impending release from Renault was confirmed and talks with Haas broke down, Hulkenberg's only remaining realistic chance of staying in F1 next year lies with Alfa Romeo, who have been impressed with the improving form of Ferrari junior Antonio Giovinazzi.

It leaves Hulkenberg facing a first year without racing in F1 since 2011, when he followed up a debut season at Williams with a year as Force India's test driver.

However, the German says a repeat scenario is doubtful now he is in his 30s.

He said: "At the beginning of my career, after 2010, it was possible. But now, towards the end my career? I doubt it.

"Sometimes it is suggested from the outside that I am very desperate to stay in the Formula 1. That's wrong!

"I love Formula 1, I love the racing and I really want to continue.

"But if it is not possible, then unfortunately it's the case, you have to accept that. I've had 10 good years of ups and downs, I've seen everything, if that's the case then it's the case, I'll handle that."

As he perhaps ponders the end of his F1 career, Hulkenberg says he may be tempted by a future in Formula E, although he is out of time to make it onto the grid for the sixth season, which begins next month.

He added: "I say to everything, 'Never say never'.

"I do not know where my interests can develop in 12 or 18 months, it's always hard to say.

"If things go wrong the perspective will change over time, but for the upcoming season, I do not see that."

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