Hulkenberg opens up on almost joining Red Bull: 'It would be different'

The Stake F1 Team driver was strongly linked with a move to the Milton Keynes-based outfit, but Red Bull ultimately opted to sign Sergio Perez.

When asked about the near miss during the Qatar Grand Prix weekend, Hulkenberg acknowledged that partnering Max Verstappen would have been a different experience, but stressed that he doesn’t dwell on hypothetical scenarios, especially after the move failed to materialise.

“They don’t count. I am where I am, and what happened, happened. Well, not close enough, obviously,” he concluded.

Ahead of the 2021 season, Hulkenberg had been heavily linked with replacing Alex Albon at Red Bull. However, Perez’s dramatic victory in Bahrain played a significant role in the team’s decision, leading the Austrian outfit to finalise a deal with the Mexican, a partnership that lasted until the end of the 2024 campaign.

Hulkenberg also discussed the Stake F1 team's push for a P7 on the constructors’ standings. The 38-year-old highlighted how pivotal it will prove for the team in its transitional year.

“It’s important for all of them, with Aston [Martin] and with Haas. We’re in that fight. Two to go, obviously, sprint here. Everyone wants to do as well as they can. The same rules apply. Obviously, we’ll all do our best and see who comes out where,” he said.

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