Official: Aston Martin confirms Hulkenberg as test and reserve driver

The news was expected, but now it's official: Nico Hulkenberg will be a test and reserve driver at Aston Martin for the remainder of the 2021 Formula One season.

Aston Martin announced the news on their website and posted a message on Twitter saying "Welcome home." Hulkenberg made two appearances for the team, then called Racing Point, in 2020. He replaced Sergio Perez and Lance Stroll when they were infected with the coronavirus.

Hulkenberg himself hinted at the news earlier, but can now give an official reaction. "First of all, it's great that the deal is done with enough time to prepare before I have to jump in the car! I'm happy to be working with this team again, with whom I've driven many times during my career," Hulkenberg said in an initial comment.

“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," he adds.