The Formula 1 team Aston Martin has signed Nico Hülkenberg as reserve driver. The 33-year-old German, who has already driven 179 Grand Prix, will do test work for Aston Martin and replace the regular drivers Sebastian Vettel and Lance Stroll.
Hülkenberg already came in three times last year at the racing stable that was then called Racing Point. In 2010 and from 2012 to 2019, Hülkenberg was one of the regular drivers in Formula 1.
The German was unemployed after he departed from Renault. Racing Point came to the experienced Hülkenberg in the summer of last year when Sergio Pérez had to skip the two British Grand Prix due to contamination with the coronavirus.
He caused a sensation by finishing seventh in the race won by Max Verstappen. In October, he also replaced the sick Stroll in the Eifel GP at the Nürburgring. The “super-sub” managed to ride from the last starting position to eighth place and thus again take points.
Although Hülkenberg was in the picture for a fixed “seat” for several teams for this year, he could not enforce a contract anywhere. Now he is still the official reserve and test driver of Aston Martin.
“Last year, I didn’t have much time to prepare when I had to jump in the car, but fortunately, I did now with this deal,” says Hülkenberg. “Of course, I hope Sebastian and Lance can enjoy a season without interruptions, but the team knows it can count on me when needed.”
