Nico Hulkenberg will take on a greater role as Formula One’s leading supersub after signing contracts with both Aston Martin and Mercedes for the 2021 season.

The story was confirmed by the German veteran via the Austrian channel ServusTV.

“[I’ll work] as a reserve driver for Aston Martin and also for Mercedes in selected races,” Hulkenberg said.

The Mercedes element is expected to pertain to when the team’s usual reserve drivers Nyck de Vries and Stoffel Vandoorne have calendar clashes with their Formula E duties.

That might place Hulkenberg in pole position for the Spanish Grand Prix or the Monaco Grand Prix in May, as well as the Azerbaijan Grand Prix in June.

A Mercedes job would be a huge opportunity for Hulkenberg, 33, to finally achieve his first podium after going 178 race starts without one.

The reserve role has become of greater importance in the past 12 months, with a number of drivers contracting COVID-19.

Hulkenberg made cameo outings for Racing Point (now Aston Martin) last year after Sergio Perez and later Lance Stroll tested positive for coronavirus.

Mercedes also had an incident, bringing in George Russell from Williams to fill in for a COVID-hit Lewis Hamilton.

As such, Hulkenberg’s full-season Aston Martin deal is a continuation of his efforts in 2020.

The 2009 GP2 champion and 2015 24 Hours of Le Mans winner has raced for Williams, Force India/Racing Point, Sauber, and Renault.

Aston Martin’s primary drivers will be Sebastian Vettel and Lance Stroll, while Mercedes will keep Valtteri Bottas alongside Hamilton.

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