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Sebastian Vettel is hopeful that his compatriot Nico Hulkenberg will find a race seat in Formula 1 for the 2020 season.
Hulkenberg lost his drive at Renault after the Enstone squad confirmed that Esteban Ocon, who is on the sidelines as Mercedes' reserve driver this year, would partner Daniel Ricciardo in 2020.
Hulkenberg has been at Renault since 2017, joining the team after a three-year stint at Force India alongside Sergio Perez.
MORE: Vettel close to one-race ban | Hulkenberg: Something had to give at Renault
The 31-year-old has been linked with a Haas drive for next year alongside Kevin Magnussen, and Vettel hopes that Hulkenberg can stay in the sport beyond the current season.
"Nico is the same age as I am," Vettel said. "I think we raced go-karts together. I don't believe that he's out, and I hope he finds a seat. The problem is that our sport is the best sport in the world."
Motorsport has become 'too expensive'
Vettel added that he feels it is extremely difficult for new racers to enter the sport due to how expensive the motorsport ladder has become.
"Our sport has always been expensive, but it has become so expensive that it's become nearly impossible for normal people to start racing, start to do motorsport at a young age," Vettel commented.
"Why? There's a couple of reasons but I don't want to start because I'd never end. In general, we have very strong championships in Germany, great infrastructure, good go-karts tracks and amazing circuits.
"But if you look at the grid, there are mostly people from abroad. There are not many Germans left. So I guess it's got to a point where it's where you need to be introduced to the sport, and that's the core problem."
Grand Prix of Belgium
G. Zhou
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Replies (7)
Login to replyf1ski
Posts: 726
If Seb gives up his seat at ferrari that would be a perfect spot as well s the haas spot
mcbhargav
Posts: 1,332
Ferrari needs two types of drivers: 1. Rock stars with proven record 2. Up and coming prodigies. Hulk is neither. I am no Ferrari manager. But, can very safely say that, he has no place at Maranello.
Kean
Posts: 692
There are rumors that Haas has a contract ready and waiting for Hülkenberg's signature. That he hasn't signed yet could mean there are still some driver movements yet to come, perhaps at Alfa and there is also a chance, albeit small, at Red Bull.
ajpennypacker
Posts: 2,475
I don't know what to think about Nico. Obviously he's more than qualified to be on the grid. However, seeing him next to Ricciardo has led me to think that maybe he never was top talent. Well let me. Qualify that, being close to Ricciardo makes him a great driver. But not beating him more often suggests he's not around the same level.
That being said, I think he would be better than Bottas at Mercedes. Yes, I said it.
Finally, Nico is a slam dunk for Haas.
mcbhargav
Posts: 1,332
Hulk’s a great support driver with his great experience, good pace, and decent racecraft.
Pistonhead
Posts: 556
Must be very hard to keep your motivation in a team where you know you will not be racing next year - Prost's comments won't have helped that for sure. He is undoubtedly a better option for Haas - but will they go for a talented rookie to fit in alongside Magnussen - like a lot of the our teams have done - seems all change at the moment. The biggest thing occupying my mind is Vettel - what's he going to do?
ajpennypacker
Posts: 2,475
@pistonhead well I think Haas have been pretty clear that I will be an experienced driver. They didn't even consider Wherlein. Steiner said its between Grosjean and Hulkenberg and that's no competition in my mind.
Vettel? Why are you in doubt. He has a contract, he is making a ridiculous amount of money, and he will likely have a chance to be champion. I think there is no way he will leave Ferrari