Hulkenberg Reflects on Nearly Joining Red Bull for 2021 F1 Season

Nico Hulkenberg has opened up about how close he came to securing a Red Bull Racing seat for the 2021 Formula 1 season, a move that ultimately didn't materialize as the team signed Sergio Perez. Hulkenberg, now with Stake F1 Team, acknowledges it would have been a "different" experience but prefers not to dwell on what-ifs, focusing instead on his current journey in F1.

Why it matters:

• Hulkenberg's near-miss with Red Bull highlights the high-stakes decisions teams make regarding driver lineups, which can significantly impact a driver's career trajectory and a team's championship prospects.
• Partnering with Max Verstappen at Red Bull would have put Hulkenberg in a top-tier car, offering a potential path to podiums and wins, a rare opportunity for many F1 drivers.
• This anecdote underscores the competitive nature of the F1 driver market, where even established talents like Hulkenberg face fierce competition for prime seats.

The details:

• Hulkenberg was heavily linked with replacing Alex Albon at Red Bull for the 2021 season after Albon's struggles.
• Perez's Bahrain Victory: Sergio Perez's dramatic victory in Bahrain with Racing Point (now Aston Martin) played a significant role in Red Bull's decision to sign him instead of Hulkenberg.
• Hulkenberg's Perspective: The German driver stated, "It would be different if it had happened, but it didn't. I had a few close misses, but at the end of the day, they don't matter." This pragmatic view reflects his focus on current opportunities rather than past hypotheticals.
• Constructors' Battle: Hulkenberg also discussed Stake F1 Team's pursuit of P7 in the constructors' standings, emphasizing its importance during a transitional year for the team.
  • He noted the tight fight with Aston Martin and Haas, stressing that every point counts in the final races.

The big picture:

Red Bull's decision to sign Sergio Perez proved to be a successful one, leading to multiple constructors' championships alongside Max Verstappen's dominance. For Hulkenberg, while the Red Bull opportunity slipped away, he has since secured a full-time return to F1 with Haas and now Stake, demonstrating his resilience and continued value in the paddock. These close calls are a regular feature of F1's intensely competitive landscape, shaping careers and team dynamics.

What's next:

Hulkenberg will continue to play a crucial role in Stake F1 Team's development, especially as the team transitions to Audi in 2026. His experience and consistency will be vital in their ongoing fight for constructors' points and their long-term project. While the Red Bull chapter is closed, Hulkenberg's career continues to evolve, proving that adaptability is key in the fast-paced world of Formula 1.