Hulkenberg interested in Alfa Romeo seat for 2021 as he plots full-time return to F1

Nico Hulkenberg’s sensational return to Formula 1 has been headline news in recent weeks, but will the 'super sub' be back on the grid full time in 2021? On the latest F1 Nation podcast, the German talked up the possibility...

After eight months out of F1, Hulkenberg returned with Racing Point for the British Grand Prix after full-time driver Sergio Perez tested positive for Covid-19. That race ended in retirement for Hulkenberg, but he came back to qualify a stellar third and finish P7 for the 70th Anniversary Grand Prix on Sunday.

READ MORE: If Lewis hadn’t joined Mercedes, Hulkenberg was our next choice – he deserves to be in F1

Between the two races at Silverstone, Hulkenberg revealed he was actively looking for a seat in F1 for 2021, before Ross Brawn revealed he was Mercedes’ second choice had Lewis Hamilton not signed for 2013.

One team that is continuously linked with Hulkenberg is Alfa Romeo, especially given the German's links to Team Principal Fred Vasseur who ran him to F3 and GP2 title success in 2009. So, would Hulkenberg consider a comeback with Alfa Romeo?

“Yes, yes is the short answer,” replied the 32-year-old before explaining that the contract would have to be right for him. “I mean doing a deal, there’s several terms that play into it – it’s the whole package, I guess.

“I’m very keen to go racing again in Formula 1. I still love it here, it’s my passion. I’m not desperate but I’d certainly love to come back and be racing again. I’ve been talking to Fred [Vasseur, Alfa Romeo Team Principal] quite frequently in the last few months…"

After qualifying third in a stunning display on Saturday at Silverstone, Hulkenberg went out to “appreciate the moment” in the race, which was somewhat hampered by a third pitstop that dropped him to seventh at the chequered flag.

READ MORE: The Winners and Losers of the 70th Anniversary Grand Prix

“It was fairly unspectacular, my race, but I’m also glad and thankful for that. It wasn’t too much fighting and Safety Cars and stuff like that. [I had] enough on my plate the last 10 days, as it was.

“A friend said to me: 'You know what Nico, you did 100% [in qualifying], today it’s just all: just go out there, have fun and enjoy it as well.'

“Obviously, we thought it would be a bit better but still, it’s a decent car and enjoyable. I tried to kind of inhale that too and appreciate the moment there.”

After just two races, Hulkenberg’s six points put him 14th in the championship, four points behind Sebastian Vettel and four ahead of Alfa Romeo’s Antonio Giovinazzi – someone he could get used to racing against in the future, perhaps...

Listen to the full interview with Hulkenberg in the player above, or listen to F1 Nation on Spotify and Apple Podcasts.