Formula 1: 4 possible replacements for Daniel Ricciardo

3. Nico Hulkenberg (Aston Martin F1 Team)

You know it had to be included in a list of last-minute replacements for a Formula 1 team. The default suggestion whenever a team is in need of a sudden jolt of experience under dire circumstances, Nico “Hulkenback” could have yet another opportunity to chase his first Formula 1 podium in the closest machinery to date.

Currently serving as the reserve driver for Aston Martin, Hulkenberg would likely be relieved of his current duties if the opportunity arose for him to line up on the grid in the Papaya car.

Flanked on all sides by youthful options with the age-associated tenacity which has absorbed the sport, Hulkenberg is a choice who is more likely to provide a consistent result with his years of experience in machinery which could compare admirably to the McLaren MCL36.

As previously mentioned, overheating front brakes have been the primary issue for the team through the final days of testing, and if they were to persist, they could likely be handled far more smoothly by the journeyman with over a decade of experience.

What casts doubts onto this potential decision though is the alternate opportunity to evaluate young talent in a genuine racing situation. This would not only enable the team to evaluate an upcoming driver who could eventually inhabit the seat in the future but also provide an invaluable learning experience in which a young driver can be coached by top-tier Formula 1 personnel and carry lessons learned to future racing seats.