Nico Hulkenberg has announced that he will serve as a reserve driver for Aston Martin and Mercedes in Formula One this season.
READ: Nikita Mazepin Explains Why He Breached ‘Gentleman’s Agreement’
The German explained that he will be on call for Aston Martin at most grand prix this year, and he will be ready to fill in for Sir Lewis Hamilton and Valtteri Bottas at grand prix which regular Mercedes reserve drivers Stoffel Vandoorne and Nyck de Vries won’t be available due to clashes with their Formula E racing commitments.
“[I will work] as a reserve driver for Aston Martin and also for Mercedes in selected races,” Hulkenberg said this week.
Based on the current F1 and Formula E calendars, there will be three clashes this campaign.
READ: ‘I Absolutely Gave It Everything’: Lewis Hamilton Says 2021 Mercedes Isn’t Fast Enough
Hulkenberg served as Racing Point’s reserve driver last year – and the German made three appearances, filling in on two occasions for Sergio Perez and once for Lance Stroll after they both tested positive for COVID-19 at different parts of the season.
He impressed many in the paddock when he deputised Perez and Stroll at short notice, and he was tipped to be in contention for the second Red Bull seat alongside Max Verstappen.
READ: ‘He’s Not A Mid-Pack Guy’: Webber On Former Team-Mate Sebastian Vettel
Ultimately, Red Bull decided to sign Perez as Alex Albon’s replacement, leaving the German without a seat on the F1 grid in 2021.
In addition to acting as a reserve driver for Aston Martin and Mercedes this season, Hulkenberg will serve as a co-commentator for Austrian broadcaster Servus TV.
Like & follow Formula1News.co.uk on Facebook to never miss an F1 story!