Nico Hulkenberg says he “did what he had to do” during his stand-in Formula 1 races in 2020 as he continues to chase a spot on the 2021 grid.
Hulkenberg lost his Renault seat at the end of 2019, marking the conclusion of eight consecutive seasons in Formula 1, and was unable to secure a full-time role for 2020.
But Hulkenberg was drafted in as a replacement at Racing Point for Sergio Perez at Silverstone, when he contracted Covid-19, and again for an unwell Lance Stroll at the Nürburgring.
Hulkenberg was unable to start the first Silverstone race due to a power unit issue but went on to finish seventh at the second event after qualifying third.
At the Nürburgring Hulkenberg rose from the back of the grid to secure more points courtesy of eighth.
But Hulkenberg’s 2021 prospects have diminished in recent weeks with Alfa Romeo set to retain its current line-up and Haas looking towards drivers who can bring a budget.
Hulkenberg’s name has been linked with Red Bull but it is understood that Sergio Perez is the team’s preferred alternative if it opts to dispense with Alexander Albon.
“The situation in F1 is 20 seats, it’s super limited, very few numbers,” Hulkenberg told the ESPN F1 podcast.
“This is again one thing out of my control and other people making that decision for me, or about me. But I’m not too stressed about it.
“I delivered this year when I had the chance this year, that’s the one thing if you’re not fully doing a season it’s kind of difficult, you’re not that visible and people tend to forget quickly. They always just tend to just remember the last race.
“It’s not so easy to make an impression so I was very happy to be able to receive some races and perform well, I think I did what I had to do and now it’s up to them.”
Hulkenberg insisted he is not yet looking outside of Formula 1 for a 2021 opportunity.
“I’m not someone who needs to rush into the next thing or cockpit now,” he said.
“I think I need to be clear first really what I want to do – F1, if the door is closed, fine, I’ll look at the next thing and what I want to do and if I want to do it. But we’re not quite there yet.”
