Toto Wolff Open to Nico Hulkenberg Sharing F1 Reserve Driver Duties With Mercedes’ Rivals

Nico Hulkenberg has been on the mind of a few teams since he made a surprise appearance last season driving for Racing Point. The German driver stepped in for Lance Stroll and Sergio Perez as they contracted COVID-19.

The impressive performance he up put out on track saw him catch the Silver Arrows’ attention as a potential reserve driver. However, Mercedes already have Nyck de Vries and Stoffel Vandoorne, but with the calendar clashing with Formula One and Formula E, it would be hard to get them behind the wheel if needed.

Hence, the Brackley-based team has kept on Hulkenberg to give him the role of a reserve driver in the team. With an already impressive driver lineup in the form of Lewis Hamilton and Valtteri Bottas, having Hulkenberg’s skills could be fruitful for the team.

Nico Hulkenberg is a much-appreciated driver, says Wolff

Toto Wolff said, “I think Nico knows the current generation of Formula 1 cars and tires. And it would be good to have him on the line-up, maybe alternating with other teams, because he is a well-known figure and very much appreciated.

“It would be nice, but we haven’t put it on paper yet.”

Earlier, Wolff had told Sky Deutschland, “We all know what he can do and that he is one of the top drivers who somehow didn’t get a chance to drive at a top team, because I think he could definitely do it.

“Having such a resource in the team is of course interesting. Of course, we are not averse to that either. The question is not when the decision will be made, but when it will be announced.”

The German isn’t a fan of Sprint races

In an interview with Servus TV as quoted by PlanetF1, Hulkenberg said, “It’s rubbish, it’s no good. It sounds very artificial, to somehow bring excitement into it.

“The teams and manufacturers make really big investments, millions and millions, thousands of people. And then a ball like that is thrown at them.

“The main race as we know it on Sunday is always worth more than a sprint race on Saturday. You have the main event with one winner.”

The future of Hulkenberg isn’t sure, but just crowded with rumors and speculation. However, it is known to everyone that wherever the German takes his talent, that team is sure to succeed.

Do you think the Hulk will fit in at the Silver Arrows?

Also Read: ‘That’s a Fact’ – Nico Hulkenberg Addresses Aston Martin F1 Rumors