Formula 1: The driver lineup that Red Bull need for 2021

By Stanley Jones | Oct 14, 2020

Nico Hulkenberg, Racing Point, and Max Verstappen, Red Bull, Formula 1 (Photo by ANDREW BOYERS/POOL/AFP via Getty Images) /

Nico Hulkenberg was once again drafted by Racing Point to replace an ill Lance Stroll last weekend. With a severe lack of track time, he proved once again why he is more than worthy of a full-time Formula 1 drive, and there is no better place for him than Red Bull.

Considered now to be a veteran of Formula 1, Nico Hulkenberg has gained the title “Super Sub”, as he was once again a big helping hand for Racing Point, which again struggled with driver problems.

After a positive performance during the 70th Anniversary Grand Prix at Silverstone Circuit in August as the replacement for Sergio Perez after Perez tested positive for COVID-19, Hulkenberg was the clear and obvious choice to replace the ill Lance Stroll for the Eifel Grand Prix at the Nürburgring, and the call was swiftly made, interrupting the German’s cup of coffee.

His performance during the Eifel Grand Prix cannot go unnoticed. With only four timed laps set before lights out, Hulkenberg had it all to do, and despite qualifying at the rear end of the grid, points came his way.

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This once again leads to the main question: how is this man not a full-time driver?

As always, drivers are looking over their shoulders, either in the direction of their new seats or the exit sign, and with a Red Bull seat up for grabs, the pressure is on. It is a Red Bull seat where the driver would be succumbed to the number two role, obviously, but put yourself in Hulkenberg’s shoes for a second: why turn that down?

It’s a well-known fact that Red Bull captain Max Verstappen and Hulkenberg get on well, with Verstappen publicly stating his distaste for the fact that Hulkenberg doesn’t have a seat.

Red Bull would have picked that up.

Alexander Albon is still a very clear choice for Red Bull, and a cheap one. However, despite a podium finish in the Tuscan Grand Prix at Autodromo Internazionale del Mugello, he cannot seem to be able to back up Verstappen in the fights against the dominant Mercedes, and it is severely hurting the team.

There is no denying that Red Bull made steps forward towards the lead team during this past race weekend. But another consistent and strong finisher is needed.

Away from Albon’s messy performance in the Eifel Grand Prix, which ultimately led to a retirement, he remained a fair distance away from his teammate throughout the sessions. Keep in mind that anybody in the second Red Bull car will not get much closer to Verstappen, but the gap is currently too big.

Sadly for Hulkenberg, his infamous podium record follows him wherever he goes, and that is a shame. But place him in a top car, and podiums will come at a steady rate. He is a proven consistent and strong racer when he is in a comfortable environment and is also comfortable in the car.

Barring his last season with Renault, “The Hulk” played a very large role in the Renault car being what it is now, a podium contender which could arguably have more than one podium finish this season. But one podium finish, the first for the team since 2011, is a start.

Another major advantage for Hulkenberg when compared to the other Red Bull seat contenders is experience, and he wins that race by a long way. Not many people can claim to have 179 race starts in Formula 1. He has been there, done that and gotten the T-shirt — and he is a 24 Hours of Le Mans winner. Just saying.

If Red Bull want to get back to the top, then it is time they move away from their driver academy. Despite producing many motor racing talents over the years, the academy has dried right up, with only Yuki Tsunoda showing any promise at the moment.

Quite frankly, time has moved on. In fact, the cheaper options shouldn’t even be in the window for Red Bull at the moment. Yes, Hulkenberg would cost more, but considering Verstappen’s worth to the team, it would be worth it.

Don’t leave Sergio Perez out from this conversation either. He is another experienced driver who has been shown the exit door, but he has been able to finish on the podium eight times with Sauber and then Force India.

And here comes the major pull on Perez’s side: money. The Mexican does come with a bucket load of sponsors which carry a lot of money that would subsequently go to the team. The blinkers come off for every team when that is thrown into the hat.

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However, it would be difficult to imagine Verstappen getting on as well with Perez as he would with Hulkenberg. And remember, the Dutchman has a large voice within that team, and for Red Bull’s chances, he has to remain happy.

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