Hulkenberg responds to Marko's 'hindsight' Red Bull seat admission
Nico Hulkenberg has downplayed Helmut Marko's admission that he was in contention for the 2021 Red Bull seat won by Sergio Perez. The German driver, now with Audi, stated he doesn't dwell on past near-misses, focusing instead on his present and future in Formula 1.
Nico Hulkenberg has responded to Helmut Marko's recent admission that he was a contender for the 2021 Red Bull seat, ultimately given to Sergio Perez. The German driver, known for his pragmatic outlook, dismissed dwelling on the 'what if' scenario, stating he is focused on his current path with Audi.
Why it matters:
Marko's comments highlight one of the perennial 'sliding doors' moments in recent F1 history. The decision shaped the careers of both drivers and the competitive dynamic at Red Bull for four seasons. It underscores how fine the margins can be for drivers seeking a top seat and how a single race result can alter career trajectories.
The details:
- Former Red Bull senior advisor Helmut Marko revealed earlier this year that the choice for Max Verstappen's 2021 teammate came down to Sergio Perez and Nico Hulkenberg.
- Marko stated that Perez's victory at the 2020 Sakhir Grand Prix, which occurred during the decision-making phase, "tipped the scales" in his favor.
- In a recent interview, Marko conceded that, in hindsight, Red Bull may have chosen incorrectly, praising Hulkenberg's current form and fewer mistakes with age.
- When asked about the missed opportunity in Qatar, Hulkenberg responded with characteristic realism: "I'm not really the dreamer type... I had a few close misses, but at the end of the day, they don't matter. They don't count. I am where I am."
- He confirmed the deal was "not close enough" to materialize.
The big picture:
The revelation adds context to Hulkenberg's career, long marked by undeniable talent but never paired with a championship-contending car. While Perez secured five wins and played a crucial support role in Red Bull's constructors' championships, his tenure ended in 2024 after a performance decline. Hulkenberg, meanwhile, successfully resurrected his F1 career with Haas and Sauber/Audi, even scoring his maiden podium at the 2025 British Grand Prix.
What's next:
Both drivers have firmly moved on. Hulkenberg is locked in as a cornerstone for Audi's factory F1 project beginning in 2026, partnering Gabriel Bortoleto. Perez has embarked on a new chapter with the Cadillac F1 Team. At Red Bull, the focus is on Isack Hadjar as Verstappen's latest teammate. The 'hindsight' debate remains a fascinating footnote, but the current trajectories of all involved show how F1's narrative constantly evolves.