Helmut Marko reveals that the Austrian staff got here near signing Nico Hulkenberg for 2021.
With Alex Albon not residing as much as Marko and the staff’s expectations, the Austrian admits that he was tempted to signal Hulkenberg for 2021 based mostly on his two ‘tremendous sub’ appearances for Racing Level that season.
At Silverstone the German changed Sergio Perez who was sidelined by Covid, whereas within the Eifel Grand Prix Hulkenberg stood in for Lance Stroll who felt unwell. Failing to begin the British Grand Prix because of an engine challenge, every week later within the Anniversary race Hulkenberg completed seventh whereas on the Nurburgring he got here house eighth.
Purple Bull was impressed by the German’s performances, particularly contemplating his lack of time within the automotive, and because the Austrian staff contemplated him for teammate to Max Verstappen, Perez threw a spanner within the works by profitable the penultimate race of the season.
“At the moment he was, I believe, a co-commentator at Servus TV,” Marko tells F1 Insider, “so there was already a relationship there, and there have been the beginnings of talks.
“However then Perez received that race in Bahrain, I believe, and due to that every part turned in Perez’s route.
“I believe it could have been a very nice time, as a result of the 2 get alongside very properly,” says the Austrian of the German’s friendship with Verstappen, “and sure, Hulkenberg is a protected financial institution for factors, and in our automotive it could even have been high positions.”
After all, Perez received the Purple Bull gig the place he remained till final season, whereas Hulkenberg, who continued in 2021 and 2022 as reserve driver for Aston Martin – changing Sebastian Vettel in two races – subsequently joined Haas after which Sauber, which in 2026 morphs into Audi.
Within the chaos that was this yr’s British Grand Prix at Silverstone he lastly made it to the rostrum, his first go to in 239 makes an attempt.
