Aston Martin has formally nominated Nico Hulkenberg as its reserve and development driver for the 2021 Formula 1 season.
Hulkenberg spent nine full seasons in Formula 1 with Williams, Sauber, Renault and Aston Martin’s predecessor Force India.
The 33-year-old had three outings with Racing Point in 2020 as a stand-in for Sergio Perez at Silverstone and for Lance Stroll at the Nurburgring.
Hulkenberg was unable to secure a full-time seat for 2021 but has now accepted a back-up role at Aston Martin.
“First of all, it’s great to get this deal signed up with plenty of notice – last year, I didn’t have quite as much time to prepare before jumping in the car,” he said.
“I’m really pleased to once again work with this team – with whom I have driven many times during my career.
“Obviously, I’m hoping that Sebastian [Vettel] and Lance enjoy uninterrupted seasons this year, but the team knows it can rely on me to step in and do an excellent job, and I’m fully prepared to take on that challenge.
“It will also be interesting to help develop the team through the season, and I’m really looking forward to pulling great lap-times out of my arm sleeve.”
In spite of his late call-ups in 2020 Hulkenberg scored 10 points for Racing Point, which included eighth place from the back of the grid on home soil in Germany, having previously qualified third at Silverstone.
“We’re delighted to be able to welcome Nico back to the team in an official capacity, as reserve and development driver for Aston Martin,” said team boss Otmar Szafnauer.
“In these difficult times, the requirement for a capable and experienced reserve driver is especially important.
“Nico proved last year that he could jump in the car and perform superbly at a moment’s notice; now, with additional scope for preparation and integration, we know that we can rely on Nico to do an excellent job.”
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