Red Bull has definitively ruled out Nico Hulkenberg from its 2020 options, while Alfa Romeo was coy on whether it was interested in the German.
Hulkenberg is currently without a seat for next year after Renault opted to recruit Esteban Ocon, while an avenue at Haas was closed when the team retained Romain Grosjean.
“Nico isn’t on our list,” asserted Red Bull boss Christian Horner. “He’s a great driver, and it would be a great shame not to see him continue in Formula 1 next year.
“He’s a professional driver who arguably hasn’t achieved his potential in Formula 1.”
One option would be for Alfa Romeo to recruit Hulkenberg in place of Antonio Giovinazzi, with Kimi Raikkonen already signed on for next year.
When asked whether Hulkenberg was a viable choice for Alfa Romeo, team boss Frederic Vasseur replied: “So far we are focused with Antonio. Antonio had a tough weekend at Spa, but had a strong recovery the week after in Monza, and we want to help him to pick up and continue to improve.
“I’m really focused on Antonio, I think he is doing step by step a good job.
“The speed is there for sure. He is matching Kimi in qualifying since the first one. Absolutely nothing to complain about on the speed.”
