Hulkenberg not interested in F1 reserve driver role for 2021
Nico Hulkenberg says he has absolutely no interest in a reserve or test driver role for the 2021 Formula 1 season, only a full-time seat.
The German made an unlikely comeback to F1 for the two Silverstone races as substitute for Sergio Perez, who became the first driver to be ruled out of a grand prix weekend after testing positive for COVID-19.
Hulkenberg impressed during his brief two-race return to the grid. After a mechanical issue preventing him from starting the British Grand Prix, he qualified a brilliant third for the 70th Anniversary Grand Prix before finishing seventh in the race.
But despite his impressive form catching the eye of many teams in the F1 paddock, Hulkenberg says he only wishes to return to F1 on a full-time basis if he can secure a race drive.
"I personally do not see myself in the role of reserve driver,” Hulkenberg said in an interview with German channel Sport 1 during an appearance on the AvD Motorsport Magazin show.
"I sat in a race cockpit for 10 years and stood at the start lights, so accepting a step backwards without much chance of getting back in makes little sense to me. That's not the path I want to take.”
Hulkenberg, who has been linked with seats at both Alfa Romeo and Haas, revealed at Silverstone that he has held talks with a number of F1 teams regarding a full-time comeback.
"I've been talking to a lot of people since the beginning of the year,” he explained. “Silverstone hasn't changed that. The process runs constantly in the background.
"During the brief comeback, honestly, nothing was going on. You concentrate on the work. The important thing was simply to deliver a good performance when you have the chance. Planning the future is part of a bigger process.
"I don't expect any more races this season,” he added. “Of course something can always happen during corona, but I don't expect it. I keep myself fit and ready as far as I can. But I don't think it will happen every other week now. I'm working on my return for 2021."
