Hülkenberg in talks with teams over permanent F1 return
Hülkenberg in talks with teams over permanent F1 return
Ian Parkes & Nicolas Quarles van Ufford
Racing Point stand-in Nico Hülkenberg has revealed he is "definitely in talks" with a number of Formula 1 teams regarding a potential return to the sport in the future.
The German, who was left without a drive for this season after Renault replaced him with Esteban Ocon, made a surprise return to F1 last week after Sergio Perez tested positive for Covid-19 and was subsequently forced into quarantine.
Although Hülkenberg did not end up driving in the British Grand Prix itself due to mechanical issues on his RP20 before the start, the 32-year-old still impressed the F1 paddock with his adaptability throughout the weekend.
Ahead of the second leg of the double-header at Silverstone this weekend, Hülkenberg has revealed to talking with other teams about a 2021 drive.
“I’ve been in contact with quite a few people from the Formula 1 industry and team principals," the German said.
"Sometimes it’s just a casual chat, sometimes it’s more about the future. [I’m] definitely in talks, but nothing concrete to say yet there.
“I guess it’s still a matter of a couple of weeks before things get a little bit more concrete and firmer."
The two biggest candidates to land Hulkenberg in 2021 would be Alfa Romeo and Haas as neither team has a driver contracted beyond the end of this season.
For this weekend, Hülkenberg is now awaiting the result of Perez's latest test that will determine if he can drive this weekend or not.
The former GP2 champion has made it no secret that he would rather continue for this weekend, but also understands he has to make way for Perez should he be cleared.
“Of course, that would be somewhat disappointing [if he has to stand down] after getting back in the car and getting a taste of it," added Hülkenberg.
"But obviously it was clear I was only a temporary replacement for Checo, not knowing if it’s [for] one race, two races or what.
"Obviously he is the main driver and whenever he’s good to race again he’ll be back.”
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