Aston Martin appoints Nico Hulkenberg as reserve driver

Aston Martin Cognizant Formula One™ Team is pleased to confirm that it has appointed Nico Hülkenberg (shown above) as its official reserve and development driver for the 2021 season.

The German driver already has extensive first-hand experience with the organization, having raced for the team between 2012 and ’16.

He also contested two Grands Prix for Racing Point in 2020, deputizing for Sergio Perez (Anniversary GP, at Silverstone) and Lance Stroll (Eifel GP, at Nürburgring).

The team will also benefit from the 33-year-old’s considerable F1 pedigree – 176 race starts, including successful campaigns with Williams, Sauber and Renault, as well as his stints at Force India and Racing Point.

Nico Hülkenberg said: “First of all, it’s great to get this deal signed up with plenty of notice – last year, I didn’t have quite as much time to prepare before jumping in the car! I’m really pleased to once again work with this team – with whom I have driven many times during my career. Obviously, I’m hoping that Sebastian and Lance enjoy uninterrupted seasons this year, but the team knows it can rely on me to step in and do an excellent job, and I’m fully prepared to take on that challenge. It will also be interesting to help develop the team through the season, and I’m really looking forward to pulling great lap-times out of my arm sleeve.”

Otmar Szafnauer, CEO and Team Principal, said: “We’re delighted to be able to welcome Nico back to the team in an official capacity, as reserve and development driver for Aston Martin Cognizant Formula One™ Team. In these difficult times, the requirement for a capable and experienced reserve driver is especially important. Nico proved last year that he could jump in the car and perform superbly at a moment’s notice; now, with additional scope for preparation and integration, we know that we can rely on Nico to do an excellent job.”