At the beginning of February it was reported that Nico Hülkenberg could take on a reserve driver role. Now the news is official that the German driver will be the reserve driver for Aston Martin and Mercedes F1. Hülkenberg was already performing reserve driver duties in 2020 when the COVID-19 virus hit Sergio Perez and Lance Stroll on various occasions.
In other words, Hülkenberg is on standby if something happens to Sebastian Vettel, Stroll, Lewis Hamilton or Valtteri Bottas. Even Hamilton wasn’t immune to the COVID-19 virus, though his replacement was different. In an interview with Servus TV he said: “[I will work] as reserve driver for Aston Martin and also for Mercedes in selected races. “
Admittedly, Mercedes has Stoffel Vandoorne and Nyck de Vries as reserves. However, the Belgian and Dutch youngsters drive all day for the Mercedes Formula E team. It’s also worth noting that the F1 and FE calendars this year consist of at least three conflicting races.
How is it for Nico Hulkenberg?
As it turns out, the Formula 1 races affected are the Spanish GP, the Monaco GP and the Azerbaijan GP. In the meantime, FE has to take care of the Monaco ePrix, the Marrakesh ePrix and the Santiago ePrix.
In the case of Santiago, the ePrix is a double header, and there are travel restrictions that could hamper Vandoorne and de Vries.
NORTHAMPTON, ENGLAND – Nico Hulkenberg from Germany and Racing Point react at Parc Ferme during the F1 70th Anniversary Grand Prix at Silverstone in Northampton, England. (Photo by Bryn Lennon / Getty Images)
In such a scenario, Nico Hülkenberg could be available to drive in the Mercedes car during training. In the event that any of the regular drivers get sick they should be ready to get in.
He did a good job last year, although some were last minute calls. Nevertheless, Hulkenberg was able to accept it and perform to the best of his ability. Even considering he’s a hugely popular figure in the paddock and F1 community, many will be thrilled to see him again. To be honest, Hulkenberg is an excellent driver, but he has often missed good podium opportunities or had bad luck.
CONTINUE READING: Wolff teases Nico Hulkenberg as Mercedes’ third F1 reserve driver
The post Nioc Hulkenberg confirms Mercedes and Aston Martin F1 Reserve Driver Role first appeared on monter-une-startup.
