Quick update: Racing Point calls Nico for the SilverstoneGP 2020 due to Checo Perez having the coronavirus. Checo to miss both races. Nico has been out of an F1 car for 243 days or 8 months but is still eligible to drive an F1 car. SilverstoneGP: does not race due to a mechanical DNF. 70th AnniversaryGP: outqualifies Stroll (Hulk P3) and leads most of the race until lap 45 when Hulk has to pit due to tire vibrations. Stroll right behind but never threatens to pass. Stroll finishes the race P6 and Hulk P7. EifelGP 2020 (Germany) - FP1 and FP2 are cancelled due to inclement weather. Next day, Stroll is sick and cannot drive FP3. Racing Point calls Hulk and drives from Cologne in ex-Keke Rosbergs GT3 RS to make it to Qualifying. Hulk is out of Q1.
Especially after news Vettel has also bought shares in Aston Martin I’d do the same now. Don’t think he has any interest in getting good results at Ferrari anymore
There is still one stat that works against Hulkenberg to be picked up for a drive in 2021. 195 GPs, for 4 different teams, and still not one podium after 10 years in F1.
Nico Hülkenberg said to Sky Germany that the chance of becoming a Red Bull driver next year is very small (since they look at their own junior program). He also said that the Haas seat is unrealistic...
I believe he previously passed on Haas. What about RBR this season? Albon isn't exactly covering himself in glory--for that matter neither is Vettel.
Red Bull has its own pool of talents to feed their 2 F1 teams; they invest enough in F2, F3 and else.
Considering that for most of his time in F1 there has been 1 team extremely dominant and the others had 2-3 top teams all vying for the top spot, for him to get a podium pretty much relied on being either extremely lucky with a late safety car (i.e. had just pitted and others unable) or several drivers in top cars all had DNF's....and then he still needed other circumstances to come right for him. Typically such circumstances happen later in the race so race strategy has a huge effect on who inherits the podium/win. On top of all that, driver contracts are so complicated these days with so many factors playing part, just getting into the right mid-field team is a miracle these days. So for him to be without a podium does not speak of his caliber as a racing driver.
Just pointing out that Nico beat Vettel today without practice or sim work. Just 4 laps in qualy before the race. Hülk he is also a 7 points down to Seb. Is currently P15 in drivers standings despite racing for only two Sunday’s. Superb!
They literally having nothing to lose by putting hulkenberg in, even on a trial basis for a handful of races or till years end. Hulk will take it regardless how long the contract is or on performance basis. If Red Bull waits till next year to see IF albon approves, they risk another start of the year at minimum with a driver that can't perform in a car that doesn't suit him. And hey, if Hulkenberg proves no better than Albon, they can take things from there.
Helmut Marko just revealed at the AvD Motorsport Magazin on @SPORT1 TV, that also Red Bull was in contact with @HulkHulkenberg on friday about a possible replacement of @alex_albon who had an unclear Corona-test. Helmut Marko: "We were already in discussions with Hülkenberg on Friday. Albon had had an uncertain, inconclusive test result. It could have turned out to be positive. Right after we landed, I called Hülkenberg." Marko says luckily, it didn't turn out positive at the end. Helmut Marko: "Albon must perform. Then he stays. At the Nürburgring, he did a good performance. We will continue to look at this. Outside our squad, I think I can say that, only Hülkenberg and Perez are available." Helmut Marko: "In general, I believe that hardly anyone can get closer than three tenths to Max. Albon can do that on a good day." https://f1-insider.com/f1/f1-news-hulkenberg-nuerburgring-stroll-ersatz-3/
Albon with not enough good days! Marko is useless to think Albon was good over the race! It was not a good race. The press and fans see it so differently! Albon failure shows the driver program is not working, and proof is they wanted Hülk!
It would be great to see Nico get a shot at RBR. I think that it makes more sense to replace Kvyat at Alpha Tauri. With two performing drivers they would have a realistic shot of overtaking Ferrari in the WCC.
[AMuS] Toto Wolff confirmed discussions with Hülkenberg to #AMuS, but also said: "Nothing has been put on paper yet." According to #AMuS, it could be announced at the end of next week.