“We are in discussions with him”- Aston Martin to hire Nico Hulkenberg as a test driver to mark his return into F1 after a year-long sabbatical.
Nico Hulkenberg, who last had his stint with Renault before being replaced by Esteban Ocon at the end of 2019. For 2020, the German had no other team to work for, though he gave three Grand Prix appearances for Racing Point (Aston Martin now) in Sergio Perez and Lance Stroll’s absence on two separate occasions.
Now, it is being reported by F1 Insider that Hulkenberg is set to become the test driver of Aston Martin this summer. Additionally, even the team principal Otmar Szafnauer has confirmed that they are in talks with Hulkenberg.
Szafnauer also told others to keenly “watch the space” not to miss any development ahead of Hulkenberg’s speculated to return in F1 this year.
“Could very well be. There is nothing to announce yet but watch this space. We are close to Nico, and we are in discussions with him. That would be great for us all,” he said.
All German team
If Hulkenberg joins the team, he would be a deputy of his compatriot Sebastian Vettel, who signed for the team after deciding to end terms with Ferrari last year.
The four-time World Champion’s signing into the team has been widely backed by the team owner Lawrence Stroll, and team principal Szfnauer.
On the other hand, even Hulkenberg had impressive performances with Racing Point, as he drove the car twice in Silverstone and once in Nurburgring.
On the first occasion, Perez was diagnosed with COVID-19 and was ruled out for both British Grand Prix and 70th anniversary Grand Prix. Later in the season, even Lance Stroll was repeated ill. Hence Hulkenberg was called yet again.
With only three races in his name, he still managed to fetch a 15th spot in the drivers’ champions by amassing 10 points to his name.
