Unfortunately, Nico Hülkenberg is not under contract with any F1 team for 2021, but will wear different hats for the season. Hülkenberg will not only be the reserve driver for Aston Martin and Mercedes, but also an expert and co-commentator for the Austrian broadcaster ServusTV. On Mondschein for ServusTV, he announced that he had completed simulator work with both Aston Martin and Mercedes.
The German had spent the 2020 season as an emergency driver for Racing Point. It was also put into action three times when it replaced both Sergio Perez and Lance Stroll when they contracted the coronavirus. Hulkenberg showed great performances on two of these occasions, finishing the car in points on both occasions.
Nico Hülkenberg reveals that he did simulator work with Aston Martin and Mercedes on television
During his time at ServusTV, when he commented on the season opener in Bahrain, Hulkenberg announced that he had sat in the simulator of both teams for one day.
“You get a feel for how such a car can be driven. This is a first impression that is also important. The Aston Martin is different to drive than last year. But when it really becomes a reality. There is always a different feeling on the track and another learning process that you have to go through quickly. “
Formula 1 F1 – Bahrain Grand Prix – Bahrain International Circuit, Sakhir, Bahrain – March 28, 2021, Mercedes’ Valtteri Bottas in action during the REUTERS / Hamad I Mohammed race
He also revealed a few funny anecdotes during his commenting phase. The 33-year-old spoke about the time when he turned to Helmut Marko to get a position in Red Bull’s junior program. It shows that the Austrian was less than impressed with how the German approached the interview.
Did the Hulk deserve an F1 seat?
In the end, Nico Hülkenberg is always talked about when it comes to the fact that he did not use his talent optimally. Hulkenberg was one of five drivers since 2005 to win the F2 series in its debut campaign. This led to his being touted as the future world champion upon joining the F1 paddock.
It can be argued that he was on average teams. But that doesn’t explain why he holds the record for most races without a podium.
Formula 1 F1 – Abu Dhabi Grand Prix – Yas Marina Circuit, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates – December 11, 2020, Sergio Perez from Racing Point during practice Kamran Jebreili / Pool via REUTERS
He has consistently missed opportunities to take podiums and possibly win races by making an unforced mistake. That speaks for his fragile mentality. With this in mind, the possibility that he will get a seat for the 2022 season is very unlikely.
There are no vacancies available in F1 under which he can conclude a contract. There is also the possibility that teams may prefer to give a chance to a young driver from F2 who has performed well. Hülkenberg could therefore have to retire from the sport as a driver.
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