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Hulkenberg: I'm not the right driver for Williams

Published on 01 Nov 2019 14:06
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By: Dieter Rencken & Fergal Walsh

Nico Hulkenberg affirms that he is not the right option for Williams, as the Grove squad looks to bring in a fresh face for 2020.

Robert Kubica will leave the team at the end of the 2020 season, while George Russell will stay on for his sophomore year in Formula 1.

Hulkenberg has been ousted from Renault, who has opted to bring in Esteban Ocon alongside Daniel Ricciardo, leaving Hulkenberg's F1 future in doubt.

MORE: Hulkenberg would 'appreciate' a change in weekend format

Speaking about the possibility of moving to Williams where he made his F1 debut in 2010, Hulkenberg doesn't believe the two are supposed to reunite.

"I think they need somebody else, I'm not the driver for them," Hulkenberg said. "It's where I am in my career, where they are, the timing... I don't think it's the right timing for us.

"With all due respect to the team, I've raced for them and everything I don't think that it's going to happen."

When asked if he could see himself at Alfa Romeo in 2020, where there is currently an open seat, Hulkenberg simply replied: "Yes."

Reserve role not an option for 2020

Hulkenberg added that a development or reserve role for 2020 was "not an option" as he wants to take on a position in racing that challenges him.

"It on what happens and what unfolds here," he commented. "Once I have that answer I'll look at other things. I don't want to rush on something or jump on something to race.

"It needs to be something that I like, a challenge that excites me. So I have no conclusion or perfect answer for that yet."

No 'unfinished business' with Formula 1

With nine years in F1 without a podium finish so far, Hulkenberg denies that he feels he has unfinished business with the sport, affirming he is pleased with his career despite missing out on high-end success.

"It doesn't feel like unfinished business, I've performed well and consistently over the years," Hulkenberg stated. "Many times when other people didn't get hired or get a job, I was still wanted and paid to drive.

"So that speaks some quality. Of course, I would like to have a different kind of record and more points, podiums and victories. But I know why, and why things didn't go that way.

"But I'm pleased with myself, I sleep at night with my eyes closed. I'd love to continue racing, but if not then life goes on."

ajpennypacker

Posts: 2,475

It will be a travesty that guys like Grosjean, Stroll, and whatever pay driver Williams ends up hiring, will be on the grid, and Hulkenberg will not. The whole thing about achieving podiums is a bit of a moot point unless you get a bunch of podiums in a car that shouldn't be top 3, like Sergio Pe... [Read more]

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Nov 1 2019 - 17:13

F1 News Nico Hülkenberg Williams

Replies (6)

Dert38

Posts: 377
Merc should have taken this man instead of Bottas and OF CAUSE ocon. As we now can see rb programme not that bad... and ric is mightly fast.
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- Nov 1 2019 - 15:32
mcbhargav

Posts: 1,332
Its a single most intelligent decision by Hulk to stay the hell out of Williams.
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- Nov 1 2019 - 15:48
ajpennypacker

Posts: 2,475
It will be a travesty that guys like Grosjean, Stroll, and whatever pay driver Williams ends up hiring, will be on the grid, and Hulkenberg will not. The whole thing about achieving podiums is a bit of a moot point unless you get a bunch of podiums in a car that shouldn't be top 3, like Sergio Perez has done.

Romain has 10 podiums
Stroll has one1
Pedro de la Rosa has 1
Vitaly Petrov has 1
Aguri Suzuki has 1
Tiago Monteiro has 1
Kamui Kobayashi has 1
Pastor Maldonado has 1 win (although it needs to be said that there was no luck on that one)

None of the above drivers would ever be ranked ahead of Nico just because of a podium. Granted, he's missed out on some clear podium opportunities. But in practice there is very little difference between 4th or 5th and a 3rd. The optics, however, are what make it seem like a huge deal.

Anyway, longwinded speech over.
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- Nov 1 2019 - 17:13
- calle.itw
  
  Posts: 8,527
  Boy do I like it when others rant here for a change! ;) But yes, it should be a criminal offence to hire Grosjean in favour of Hulk.
  + 1
  
  Nov 1 2019 - 17:59
- Alonzo
  
  Posts: 66
  ..."The whole thing about achieving podiums is a bit of a moot point unless you get a bunch of podiums in a car that shouldn't be top 3, like Sergio Perez has done." ...
  Very True... You could argue that Stroll is young (what is he? 20?), But the Grosjean thing I just don't get.... Why would you keep him around?
  Hulk has never looked like one of the best, more like middle of the pack, as far as talent goes, But I would rather have Hulk than Gio, K Mag, Stroll, Kviat, Kubica, Gasly, may be even Bottas... Then again, F1 has never been fair in that regard... Money Talks....
  + 0
  
  Nov 2 2019 - 02:45
Pistonhead

Posts: 556
Time to move on, time waits for no man, I think he would be a great driver for a new entrant team, maybe 2021 rules and cost can will attract a new team, looking for an experienced hand to get them going....
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- Nov 2 2019 - 15:08