Hulkenberg campaigned Red Bull for seat next to Verstappen
Hulkenberg campaigned Red Bull for seat next to Verstappen
Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko says that Nico Hulkenberg contacted the team to campaign for a 2020 seat as team-mate to Max Verstappen, even though both parties said no talks ever took place.
After Renault announced that Hulkenberg would not be retained for the 2020 season, with Esteban Ocon selected as his replacement, the German was forced to try and find a new team, with Haas and Alfa Romeo two of the strongest linked outfits.
He was unsuccessful, however, and left the sport after 2019, but not before trying to join Red Bull, who were still deciding between Alexander Albon and Pierre Gasly after the former replaced the latter midway through the season.
"The initiative came from Hulkenberg," Marko told Motorsport-Total about any potential swoop for the driver.
What 'final step' does Bottas need to make to beat Hamilton?Read more
“At that time we didn't know how it would end with Albon, so we left it open. Once we had chosen Albon, it became clear that there was no room for Hulkenberg with us.”
Throughout their time in Formula 1, Red Bull have established a junior driver programme and it is from this pool which they select their drivers. Marko admits it was because of this tradition that no move for Hulkenberg could ever materialise.
“Otherwise we would break our promises,” he added, referring to not signing the German.
“So far we have only taken drivers out of our junior program. That gives our juniors a lot of security as soon as they are with us.
“Their chances of reaching Formula 1 are therefore very high. I do not want to say that we will never take someone from outside, but it must be significantly better."
Related
Change your timezone:
Latest News
Newey submits Red Bull 'resignation' ahead of exit
- 1 hour ago
- 1
F1 News Today: Newey submits Red Bull 'resignation' as Ferrari move given huge boost
- 1 hour ago
F1 Miami Grand Prix weather forecast - latest today
- 2 hours ago
Teenage sensation makes BLEAK admission about F1 dreams
- 2 hours ago
'Official' Red Bull statement on Newey exit IMMINENT
- 3 hours ago
Hamilton beats Verstappen and host of legends to key title
- Today 10:59
Related news
Newey 'desire' for DIFFERENT role at Ferrari revealed
F1 rivals' UPGRADES provide Red Bull title charge doubt
Newey set for CRUCIAL meeting over Red Bull future
Newey tipped to POACH key Red Bull staff if he joins F1 rivals
F1 Standings
Drivers
- Oliver Bearman
- Charles Leclerc
- Carlos Sainz
- Lando Norris
- Oscar Piastri
- Pierre Gasly
- Esteban Ocon
- Sergio Pérez
- Max Verstappen
- Alexander Albon
- Logan Sargeant
- Lewis Hamilton
- George Russell
- Nico Hülkenberg
- Kevin Magnussen
- Fernando Alonso
- Lance Stroll
- Valtteri Bottas
- Zhou Guanyu
- Daniel Ricciardo
- Yuki Tsunoda
Races
- Gulf Air Grand Prix of Bahrain 2024
- Saudi Arabian Grand Prix 2024
- Grand Prix of Australia 2024
- MSC Cruises Grand Prix of Japan 2024
- Grand Prix of China 2024
- Miami Grand Prix 2024
- Gran Premio dell'Emilia Romagna 2024
- Grand Prix of Monaco 2024
- Grand Prix du Canada 2024
- Gran Premio de España 2024
- Grand Prix of Austria 2024
- Grand Prix of Great Britain 2024
- Grand Prix of Hungary 2024
- Grand Prix of Belgium 2024
- Heineken Dutch Grand Prix 2024
- Grand Prix of Italy 2024
- Grand Prix of Azerbaijan 2024
- Grand Prix of Singapore 2024
- Grand Prix of the United States 2024
- Gran Premio de la Ciudad de Mexico 2024
- Grande Prêmio de São Paulo 2024
- Heineken Silver Las Vegas Grand Prix 2024
- Qatar Grand Prix 2024
- Grand Prix of Abu Dhabi 2024
About GPFans
GPFans is a multi-platform, multi-language brand dedicated to Formula One coverage. We bring you all the ins and outs of the sport, 24/7, everything from up-to-the-minute news and features to the latest viral stories and clips.We believe that a new generation of exciting, outspoken drivers will make F1 more popular than ever before, and we want to give our users access to as much of their heroes as possible, on and off the track. From Lewis Hamilton to Max Verstappen, Daniel Ricciardo to Sebastian Vettel, we provide in-depth analysis of every every Grand Prix in the season, from Australia to Abu Dhabi.
With Formula One under the new ownership of Liberty Media, how the sport is being covered is evolving, and GPFans will look to be at the heart of this progression into new media, as one of the fastest-growing sites covering the king of motorsports.
Follow us on your favorite social media channel
Corporate & Media
Innovatieweg 20C7007 CD, Doetinchem, Netherlands
+31645516860