Hülkenberg in discussions with F1 teams for 2021

Although the current situation may be potentially uncomfortable for him, Nico Hulkenberg continues to look good. At the same time, he doesn't have much choice...

Called at the last minute to replace Sergio Pérez at Racing Point last week after testing positive for Coronavirus, the German signed a return to F1 encouraging but was unable to start the British Grand Prix due to a technical problem with his RP20.

On Sunday evening, Hülkenberg was unsure whether his services were required for the 70th Anniversary Grand Prix due to uncertainty around the quarantine period Sergio Pérez would have to observe before being able to take another Covid-19 test. 

Ultimately, the Mexican only remained in solitary confinement for 7 days, in accordance with the health instructions of the English authorities, before undergoing a screening whose result we were still awaiting this Thursday. 

Consequently, poor Hülkenberg showed up at the FIA ​​press conference without knowing if he was going to race this weekend. How would he react if he didn't get behind the wheel again?

« I would obviously be a little disappointed, after having had a little glimpse of the car's potential, replied the former pilot Renault, whose last career start still dates back to Abu Dhabi 2019. 

From the start it was obvious that I was there as a replacement for Checo only, without knowing if it was for 1 race or 2, or more. He is the incumbent and if he is declared good for service, he will be back ».

• Returning full time in 2021?

Hülkenberg, however, confided that he was in discussions with other teams for next season. 

« I have been in contact with several team bosses because everyone knows each other in the paddock., he said. Some interactions were just casual discussions, others were about the future. 

There are discussions, but nothing concrete to announce. We will have to wait a few more weeks before this eventually becomes possible. 

As for the possibility of racing elsewhere, that's not yet very clear either. I prefer to negotiate the stages one after the other and I will take stock in a few weeks ».

The German admits to having been touched by the compliments addressed to him after his hasty but honorable return to competition. On the other hand, Hülkenberg believes that he does not need to shine brightly this weekend to convince his potential future employers. 

« It's nice to hear this kind of feedback and comments., he added. We did what we could in particular circumstances. I think we did well even if we could have done better on 2-3 points. However, it is difficult to be choosy given the situation.

A good result always gives you advantageous publicity, that's for sure. Afterwards, the team bosses do not focus on a single event, especially when it takes place in the current circumstances. But it is certain that I would like to offer the best possible replacement to the team. The rest is independent of the current situation ».

On paper, Haas et Alfa Romeo are the most realistic landing points for Hülkenberg for a possible full-time return.