OFFICIAL: Hülkenberg replaces Stroll at the Nürburgring

Nico Hulkenberg takes a little more care of his status as a luxury replacement in the paddock. The ex-pilot Renault, who had already been called at the last minute to compensate for Sergio Pérez's withdrawal from Silverstone due to a positive Coronavirus test, will replace this Saturday and Sunday Lance stroll at Racing Point at the Nürburgring. 

The Canadian missed Free Practice 3 because “ he didn't feel 100% », Says his team. The Montrealer's state of health has obviously not improved enough for him to be able to line up for the start of qualifying and therefore the race on Sunday. 

Racing Point theoretically has an agreement with its engine manufacturer Mercedes to call on its official reserves, Stoffel Vandoorne and Esteban Gutiérrez. If the Mexican's Super License is no longer active, the Belgian driver, who shone in Formula e this season, is very present at the Nürbrugring. 

The Silverstone team, however, preferred Hülkenberg, who, by chance, was in the region to serve as a consultant on German TV. Since Pérez's double English package, the team has always kept the German's seat within reach. Proof that it can still be useful!

Hülkenberg is therefore preparing to take part in his 3rd Grand Prix of the year, even if he was unable to start at the first British meeting due to an engine problem when going to position himself on the grid. The German made a very good impression the following week by qualifying 3rd before finishing 7th the next day. 

Hulkenberg had confided at the time that he was in discussions with other teams with a view to a full-time return in 2021. He will have another opportunity to convince them this weekend.