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Helmut Marko reveals that the Austrian workforce got here near signing Nico Hulkenberg for 2021.
With Alex Albon not dwelling as much as Marko and the workforce’s expectations, the Austrian admits that he was tempted to signal Hulkenberg for 2021 primarily based 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 start out the British Grand Prix because of an engine situation, every week later within the Anniversary race Hulkenberg completed seventh whereas on the Nurburgring he got here residence eighth.
Purple Bull was impressed by the German’s performances, particularly contemplating his lack of time within the automotive, and because the Austrian workforce 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 gained that race in Bahrain, I believe, and due to that all the pieces turned in Perez’s route.
“I believe it might have been a very nice time, as a result of the 2 get alongside very effectively,” says the Austrian of the German’s friendship with Verstappen, “and sure, Hulkenberg is a secure financial institution for factors, and in our automotive it might even have been prime positions.”
In fact, Perez obtained 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.
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