Red Bull Had a ‘Brief Discussion’ With Nico Hulkenberg Over Replacing Albon
Follow Us
In a shocking turn of events, Red Bull signed Sergio Perez to drive for them in 2021, beside Max Verstappen. It will be feisty on the track with a driver like Checo pushing Max to his ultimate potential and himself achieving greater heights.
Mercedes would be wary of a tough battle on the tarmac, and Red Bull is tired of chasing Mercedes. They want to win big as it has been a long time since Vettel got them their last championship.
Well, with the team ending the season on a high note, the Milton Keynes outfit really means business in 2021. But is Checo the best person for the job?
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Sergio Perez has had a cracking 2020 season. However, he needed something extraordinary for Red Bull to consider his seat. Although he managed a podium at Turkey, he was yet to win his first Grand Prix. Well pulling that off in style, Checo made a strong case for the Red Bull selectors.
Did the team consider other options?
Many have questioned whether there was anyone besides the Mexican on Red Bull’s radar. The team informs that they had definitely favored Albon and given him chances to prove his point. Yet, apart from him, there wasn’t anyone on their list.
Horner also confirmed that Sebastian Vettel was never in contention for the second F1 seat, but there was a discussion with Nico Hulkenberg.
Trending
Fernando Alonso Delivers His Message to George Russell Following Ballistic Rant on Radio By the Mercedes Driver
March 24, 2024 10:17 AM EDT
F1 Rumor: Christian Horner Plans to Seize Full Control of Red Bull Empire With Drinks & Racing; Position ‘Strengthened’ by the Stakeholders
March 28, 2024 01:08 PM EDT
Sebastian Vettel Reveals Texting Lewis Hamilton Directly After His ‘Surprising’ Ferrari Announcement
March 28, 2024 01:17 PM EDT
Fernando Alonso Offered “Lucrative Multi-Year Contract” by Aston Martin After Christian Horner’s ‘Big Intentions’ to Sign Him
March 28, 2024 10:36 AM EDT
“You Are Disgusting”: Ex-GF Isa Hernaez’s ‘Vengeful’ Update Leaves Fans Pointing Fingers at Carlos Sainz
October 28, 2023 10:12 AM EDT
Get instantly notified of the hottest F1 stories via Google! Click on Follow Us and Tap the Blue Star.
Follow Us
“No. There was no other. There was a brief discussion with Nico Hulkenberg. But it’s really accelerated over the last month, I would say,” clarified Christian Horner.
Perez and Red Bull are a perfect match
Red Bull was, at a time, in a major dilemma as Alex Albon‘s performance was failing every week, and they had little choice. Many would say that their former champion Vettel could have been considered, but they cannot be blamed for not trusting Vettel’s form.
Although Hulkenberg was a probable choice, for them it was a gamble.
In such a situation, infusing the drama within the sport ascended the option of Sergio Perez. With Aston Martin signing the German Vettel for 2021, they released Perez, making him a free agent.
The situation turned out to be ideal for both parties, and eventually, they fit in together to sort the missing pieces of the jigsaw puzzle.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
“It’s remarkable and, I mean, circumstances are a little crazy, aren’t they? But it was our good fortune that he [Perez] didn’t have a seat and that allowed us the time, without him having any other options that he could pursue as a race seat, to fulfil the season with Alex before making a decision,” concluded Horner.
Red Bull has recruited many drivers over time, yet only a few survived. Pierre Gasly could not come to terms with the car and so couldn’t Albon.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Ricciardo, who was in wonderful form, had to leave because of the in-team feud. Will Checo adjust to all this and survive the pressures at Red Bull?