Hulkenberg feeling ‘bitter’ about missing home race
Nico Hulkenberg is left feeling a little “bitter” that he is missing out on a home race at the German Grand Prix with the Nurburgring hosting the event.
The German driver was left without a seat for the 2020 season after Renault opted to replace him with Esteban Ocon. However, Hulkenberg has been able to play a minor role in this campaign, stepping in for Sergio Perez for two race weekends after the Mexican tested positive for COVID-19.
But, since then, ‘The Hulk’ has been back on the sidelines and is sad that he won’t be able to take part in a home race after Formula 1 found a space for the German Grand Prix to return on a revised 17-race calendar.
“It is really bitter. So I’m really sad that I won’t be driving this year,” Hulkenberg said on the podcast “Nice am Stil” by GQ, as quoted by Speedweek.
“It’s a real pity. I would have loved to have driven again.”
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But you cannot feel too sorry for Hulkenberg as he did get to drive on the iconic Nordschleife circuit back in June.
He took to the wheel of a Lamborghini Huracan GT3 in a private test and declared it as the “craziest race track in the world”.
“Nordschleife is madness,” he recalled.
“Probably the craziest track in the world and the most difficult track in the world. It is so dynamic.
“When you’re driving yourself, the car is constantly in motion. The car works all the time. It’s so demanding.”
While Hulkenberg is looking for a way back onto the Formula 1 grid in 2021, there are some parts of the sport he doesn’t miss.
“[Training and meetings] that is incredibly monotonous. And if you do the same thing for ten years, there is no other rhythm.
“It’s always the same, copy & paste.
“It’s a bit of a sleepy feeling. Before that [qualifying on Saturday], everything is such a hassle.”
Hulkenberg has been linked with a move to either Alfa Romeo or Haas in 2021 with both teams yet to confirm their line-ups for next year.
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