Nico Hulkenberg can be reserve driver for each Aston Martin and Mercedes throughout the 2021 Formulation One season.
Hulkenberg impressed as F1’s “super-sub” in 2020, deputising for Racing Level at three totally different occasions — doing so twice for Sergio Perez, as soon as for Lance Stroll after optimistic COVID-19 checks. He didn’t land a full-time drive for 2021.
Forward of the Bahrain Grand Prix, Hulkenberg confirmed to Austrian TV channel Servus he’ll full a duel position this 12 months. He’ll stay the reserve for the rebranded Racing Level staff, now often called Aston Martin, whereas additionally deputising for Mercedes when its present reserve drivers Stoffel Vandoorne and Nyck de Vries aren’t obtainable as a consequence of their Formulation E commitments.
There are at present three F1 occasions which conflict with Formulation E races – the Spanish GP on Might 9, the Monaco GP on Might 24 and the Azerbaijan GP on June 6. Ongoing journey restrictions might additionally complicate Vandoorne and De Vries getting from Santiago to Montreal for the Canadian GP on June 13.
Hulkenberg was praised for his performances in 2020. On the seventieth Anniversary Grand Prix he certified third, prompting the likes of Daniel Ricciardo to say he deserved a full-time drive.
Between 2010 and 2020 he has contested 178 F1 races. He at present holds the unenviable document for essentially the most F1 race begins with no podium end.