Two failed moves that could have changed Nico Hulkenberg’s F1 career

Nico Hulkenberg’s F1 profession might have regarded very totally different had both of two failed strikes come off.

Earlier this 12 months, Pink Bull’s Helmut Marko revealed F1 veteran Hulkenberg narrowly missed out on being Max Verstappen’s teammate in 2021.

Hulkenberg was within the body to interchange Alex Albon after impressing in his cameo outings as a COVID-19 supersub, however Pink Bull in the end signed Sergio Perez after he received the 2020 Sakhir Grand Prix.

Verstappen secured his first of 4 successive world championships in 2021, whereas Pink Bull received the constructors’ trophy in 2022 and 2023.

“Not likely as a result of I’m not likely the dreamer sort,” the Sauber driver stated when requested if he has ever imagined what his F1 profession might have regarded like had he been chosen to be Verstappen’s teammate.

“It might be totally different nevertheless it didn’t occur. I had a couple of shut misses however on the finish of the day they don’t matter, they don’t rely. I’m the place I’m and what occurred occurred.”

Hulkenberg wouldn’t budge when pressed on how shut he got here to becoming a member of Pink Bull, responding: “Not shut sufficient, clearly.”

The 38-year-old German has been one of many star performers of the 2025 season and at last broke his F1 podium duck with a shocking drive to 3rd place at a moist and chaotic British Grand Prix at Silverstone.

Hulkenberg virtually landed Mercedes drive

Former F1 chief and legendary workforce boss Ross Brawn revealed to F1.com that Hulkenberg was a candidate for a 2013 Mercedes seat when he was on the helm of the Silver Arrows.

Mercedes had been looking for a substitute for Michael Schumacher after the seven-time world champion retired for a second time, however finally poached Lewis Hamilton from McLaren.

Mercedes would go on to turn out to be the dominant pressure of the V6 hybrid period, successful seven consecutive world championship doubles and an unprecedented eight successive constructors’ crowns between 2014-2021.

“Once I was at Mercedes, we virtually employed Nico, as a result of we didn’t know what the state of affairs was with Lewis for 2013,” Brawn stated.

“We had been having a difficult time closing that deal, and Nico was on standby. He behaved in a really mature means throughout these discussions.

“I made it as clear as doable what the state of affairs was, that there was an opportunity [of him racing for Mercedes], nevertheless it trusted what Lewis determined to do ultimately. When Lewis did signal with us, we managed to kind issues out with Nico that we couldn’t go forward.

“However I used to be fairly wanting ahead to working with him, as a result of I feel he’s an important driver. He’s very, very mature and really balanced. He’s had an important profession. It’s onerous to think about that Silverstone was his first podium after so lengthy, and after some nice performances and nice drives.

“So, that consequence was beautiful to see, and I used to be significantly happy on condition that I do know him pretty properly. It was a superb end result for the season.”