Dr. Helmut Marko couldn’t help but smile at the rumours suggesting Nico Hulkenberg could be a surprise contender to replace Sergio Perez at Red Bull Racing.
The 35-year-old German has made a strong impression since his return to Formula 1 with Haas this year, and it appears he is on track for a contract extension.
Former F1 driver Timo Glock praised Hulkenberg’s performance, stating, “For me, he is one of the top three qualifiers this year, and he would be in the race as well if he had the chance. At the moment, the car is not where it should be, but Nico is definitely capable with his experience to gain a foothold with a top team,” he told Sky Deutschland.
However, Hulkenberg himself downplayed the rumors linking him to a sensational switch to Red Bull.
“I think all the signs are pointing to the future here,” he asserted on Thursday.
“We work well together, and there is good harmony between Gunther (Steiner), the whole team, and me, even if it’s frustrating at times on Sundays.”
“I want to be a part of that turnaround though. I think it’s all going to continue,” Hulkenberg emphasized.
In contrast, his established teammate Kevin Magnussen seems less certain about his future with the team.
“We’ll see when it happens and how that pans out,” Magnussen said on Thursday.
“I think at the moment there’s no news to bring, and I don’t really know what’s going on. I feel like the team is pretty happy, but you never know with these things, and I’ll take it one day at a time.”
Regarding Hulkenberg’s prospects with Red Bull, given that Sergio Perez is already under contract for 2024, the door seems closed.
When asked about the rumors, Red Bull’s top official Dr. Helmut Marko humorously remarked to Kleine Zeitung newspaper, “Let’s put it this way. We’ll get him (Hulkenberg) for qualifying, and then Perez will drive the race,” clearly dismissing the speculations with a playful tone.
