F1 has arrived at the halfway point of the 2021 season and it’s only a matter of time before the driver’s market lights up for next season. One of the drivers who is looking to benefit from this is Aston Martin’s reserve driver, Nico Hulkenberg. After being left out of the grid in 2019, the German is yet to secure a full-time seat in F1.

And of course, the longer he stays away, the lesser his hopes of returning, as there are much younger drivers starting to form a train at the doorsteps of F1.So, how far is it practical?

Well, Hulkenberg revealed that he is indeed in talks with several F1 teams at the moment. However, he also clarified that 2022 would be his final attempt, and if he ends up with yet another disappointment, his chapter in F1 will be over.

What did Nico Hulkenberg say?

According to Motorsport, Hulkenberg compared his potential comeback to Alpine driver, Fernando Alonso, who managed to make a comeback after a two-year break. The former Renault driver felt that a comeback after two seasons like Alonso’s is almost impossible.

Why, you might ask?

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Well, the Spaniard holds immense on-track records, including the fact that he is a two-time world champion. And such appealing numbers are what probably attracted Alpine in the first place.

“I’m in contact with some teams. And if I can’t return to the sport right now, the F1 book is closed for me,” Hulkenberg said.

“Fernando Alonso took a two-year hiatus from the sport and then came back. But, he is a double world champion. I have to be a little realistic about that,” the Aston Martin driver added.

Possible options for Hulkenberg over the 2022 F1 season

Of course, there will be several vacancies popping up in a few F1 teams soon; one of them could be Williams. With George Russell set for a phase with Mercedes, Williams will need a replacement driver, who holds enough caliber as the Briton.

Hence, a rookie is almost out of the picture. Similarly, there is Alfa Romeo or Haas amidst the fear of Kimi Raikkonen’s imminent retirement from F1.

With Mick Schumacher tipped to make a switch to the Italian outfit, Hulkenberg might have a shot at securing a drive in Haas. Hence, hopes of returning to F1 are certainly high for Hulkenberg. But will everything fall in place for the German? Only time will tell.

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