“I will work as a reserve driver for Aston Martin and also for Mercedes”- Nico Hulkenberg reveals his dual role in Formula 1.
Nico Hulkenberg’s last stint with a Formula 1 team was with Renault, and in 2020 he was without a regular starting spot. But the COVID-19 brought a blessing in disguise for him.
As he got the tag of the super-sub, as he managed to give three satisfactory performances for Racing Point when both drivers Sergio Perez during the British and 70th Anniversary Grand Prix and Lance Stroll during the Eifel Grand Prix were found positive of the virus.
On these occasions, Hulkenberg filled in for them and considering his impressive performances, Aston Martin (the re-branded version of Racing Point) has decided to extend their relationship.
But at the same time, Mercedes have also stepped in to hire the German as a reserve driver for 2021. Speaking on Austrian channel ServusTV, with whom he will work as a pundit for in 2021, Hulkenberg said that he had finalised a deal to be on call for two teams this year.
“[I will work] as a reserve driver for Aston Martin and also for Mercedes in selected races,” he said.
What happened to current Mercedes reserve drivers?
Last year, when the need for a reserve driver occurred, Racing Point had the option of reaching out to Mercedes for one. But, Stoffel Vandoorne, the first in line driver, was occupied with his Formula E duties.
Meanwhile, Esteban Gutierrez had his super license expired. Therefore, Racing Point had to call Hulkenberg at such short notice. This year, Formula E has three race clashes with Formula 1, and Gutirrez has been appointed on a non-racing role.
Therefore, it was convenient for Mercedes to hire Hulkenberg as their all-time reserve driver, which could also be called by their customer team Aston Martin.
