After weeks of speculation, Nico Hülkenberg has been been confirmed as the Aston Martin Cognizant Formula One Team’s test and reserve driver.
The German, who stood in for both Sergio Pérez and Lance Stroll at the BWT Racing Point Formula One Squad – the team that became Aston Martin in 2021 – while the drivers were unavailable due to illness in 2020, now officially joins the team.
Hülkenberg has a total of 176 race starts, however he has the unenviable distinction of racing in the most races without ever standing on the podium. He has always expressed a desire to return to racing, and his presence in the paddock keeps him in the spotlight.
“First of all, it’s great to get this deal signed up with plenty of notice – last year, I didn’t have quite as much time to prepare before jumping in the car!” said Hülkenberg. “I’m really pleased to once again work with this team – with whom I have driven many times during my career.
“Obviously, I’m hoping that Sebastian [Vettel] and Lance enjoy uninterrupted seasons this year, but the team knows it can rely on me to step in and do an excellent job, and I’m fully prepared to take on that challenge.
“It will also be interesting to help develop the team through the season, and I’m really looking forward to pulling great lap-times out of my arm sleeve.”
Hülkenberg tried to race at the British Grand Prix but was unable to do so due to a technical issue. However, the following week, in the 70th Anniversary Grand Prix, he qualified third on the grid and finished seventh in points.
He then had to wait until Stroll was unavailable for the Eifel Grand Prix, with Qualifying being his first trip in the car that weekend. With such little preparation, he qualified at the back of the grid, but performed admirably in the race to finish eighth.
“We’re delighted to be able to welcome Nico back to the team in an official capacity, as reserve and development driver for Aston Martin Cognizant Formula One Team,” said Otmar Szafnauer, the Team Principal and CEO at Aston Martin.
“In these difficult times, the requirement for a capable and experienced reserve driver is especially important. Nico proved last year that he could jump in the car and perform superbly at a moment’s notice; now, with additional scope for preparation and integration, we know that we can rely on Nico to do an excellent job.”
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