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SUZUKA, JAPAN – OCTOBER 11: Nico Hulkenberg of Germany and Renault Sport F1 walks in the Paddock after practice for the F1 Grand Prix of Japan at Suzuka Circuit on October 11, 2019 in Suzuka, Japan. (Photo by Mark Thompson/Getty Images)
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SUZUKA, JAPAN – OCTOBER 11: Nico Hulkenberg of Germany and Renault Sport F1 walks in the Paddock after practice for the F1 Grand Prix of Japan at Suzuka Circuit on October 11, 2019 in Suzuka, Japan. (Photo by Mark Thompson/Getty Images)
George Russell and his potential move to Silver Arrows have been a topic of speculation for quite a time now. The 23-year-old is expected to replace Valtteri Bottas at Mercedes. The Finnish driver is under fire this season after a series of disappointing results.
As it stands, Russell is in the last year of his contract. The Wantage-based team is looking for options in the driver’s market to replace the young Brit. In addition, there were also rumors about a potential swap deal between Bottas and Russell next season. Meanwhile, Michael Schmidt thinks Williams should also consider former Renault driver Nico Hulkenberg.
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Nico Hulkenberg has a good chance: Michael Schmidt
Nico Hulkenberg has last driven full time in Formula 1 back in 2019 before the young Frenchman, Esteban Ocon replaced him.
The German who holds the record for the most race start without a podium, was a reserve driver for Racing Point last year. Hulkenberg starts in three race weekends and secured ten points for the Silverstone-based team.
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NORTHAMPTON, ENGLAND – Nico Hulkenberg of Germany and Racing Point reacts in parc ferme during the F1 70th Anniversary Grand Prix at Silverstone in Northampton, England. (Photo by Bryn Lennon/Getty Images)
Meanwhile, Michael Schmidt thinks if the deal between Valtteri Bottas and Williams collapses then the Aston Martin (previously known as Racing Point) reserve driver in Nico Hulkenberg has a good chance to replace Russell.
“Williams are looking for an experienced driver [if George Russell leaves]. If it’s not Bottas, I think Nico Hulkenberg has a good chance,” said F1 journalist, Michael Schmidt.
We’ve got quite a long list: Williams’ team principal, Jost Capito
As quoted by the official website of Formula 1, when asked whether Nico Hulkenberg is on the list for 2022 for Williams to replace George Russell, Jost Capito said: “I think at the moment we do not exclude any driver who would be available next year and Nico is available for next year, so we’ve got quite a long list.”
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Formula One F1 – Monaco Grand Prix – Circuit de Monaco, Monte Carlo, Monaco – May 20, 2021. Williams Racing Chief Executive Officer Jost Capito in the FIA Press Conference FIA/Handout via REUTERS.
“The main thing is, we want to have the best drivers that are available and interested to drive for Williams and interested in doing the job for Williams.”
“It’s not definitely the driver who wants to be world champion next year. For us, he would be in the wrong team,” said Capito,” added Jose Capito.
Can we witness Nico Hulkenberg driving for Williams next season? What do you think? Let us know in the comments section below?
