F1 | Official: Nico Hulkenberg will be Aston Martin's reserve driver

After having anticipated it in recent weeks, confirmation has arrived today. Nico Hulkenberg will be Aston Martin's reserve and development driver for the 2021 Formula 1 season.

Already in the last championship the German took to the track with the colors of the team, previously known as Racing Point, replacing the two official drivers when the latter were unable to attend the Silverstone and Nurburgring events due to health problems. In both events, Nico managed to impress, picking up important points for the team despite his limited time in the car. Considering what has happened over the last year and a half on a global level, having an important figure in that role also proved to be fundamental and for Aston Martin there could not have been a better choice than Hulkenberg, who from 2011 to 2016 had part of the team first as a reserve driver and then as an official representative. His contribution will also be fundamental in the simulator, where he will be able to provide important feedback to the engineers as happened during 2020, when his suggestions led to a modification of the rear suspension: "First of all, it's fantastic to be able to sign this contract with some ' notice. Last year I didn't have much time to prepare before getting in the car! I am happy to be able to work with this team once again, with whom I have already driven many times during my career. Obviously I hope that Sebastian and Lance can play the season without interruptions, but the team knows that they can count on me to do a good job. It will also be interesting to help the team during the season,” said Hulkenberg expressing his satisfaction with the new agreement.

This was echoed by Aston Martin's Team Principal, Otmar Szafnauer, who wanted to underline how the German has in the past proven to be largely capable of carrying out an excellent job despite the short notice: "We are happy to welcome once again Nico joins the team in an official role, as a reserve and development driver for the Aston Martin Cognizant Formula One Team. In this difficult period, having a reserve pilot with great skills and experience is essential. Nico showed last year that he can jump in the car and deliver great performances at any time. Now, with more time to prepare and integrate, we know we can count on Nico and that he will be able to do an excellent job,” the Team Principal added.