F1 | How Nico Hulkenberg nearly became Max Verstappen’s teammate at Red Bull. Nico Hulkenberg almost joined Red Bull alongside Max Verstappen.

The story of Red Bull’s recent years could have unfolded very differently. Nico Hulkenberg has revealed that he was in talks with the team in 2020 for a seat alongside Max Verstappen, a position that would later be given to Sergio Perez starting in 2021.

Hulkenberg’s Formula 1 career could have taken a completely different direction in the 2021 season. The German driver was among the candidates to replace Alex Albon at Red Bull, with the possibility of becoming Verstappen’s teammate and fighting at the front of the grid together.

Ultimately, the Milton Keynes team decided to choose Sergio Perez, fresh off his first F1 victory at the 2020 Sakhir Grand Prix. This decision not only reshaped the internal hierarchy at Red Bull but also altered the trajectory of Nico Hulkenberg’s career in the sport.

Nico Hulkenberg’s path after the missed opportunity

After missing that chance, Nico Hulkenberg spent two seasons away from the grid, serving as a reserve driver for Aston Martin, while Sergio Perez established himself as a stable and competitive teammate for Max Verstappen at Red Bull. Despite this setback, Nico Hulkenberg remained focused on building a long-term career and staying ready for future opportunities.

Reflections on a near miss

Looking back on that period, Nico Hulkenberg made it clear that he harbors no regrets. “I’m not the type to dwell on what could have been. It would have been different, but it didn’t happen. What matters is where you are now.” His pragmatic approach reflects a career shaped by missed opportunities, resilience, and consistent determination.

Looking forward to a new chapter

Now, Hulkenberg’s focus is firmly on the present. He will compete in the upcoming season alongside Gabriel Bortoleto, as Audi prepares for its official Formula 1 debut. This new chapter represents an exciting challenge for the German driver, who approaches it with the mindset of someone who has learned to look forward without dwelling on the past.

As the 2026 season approaches, the storyline of Hulkenberg leading the Audi project serves as a testament to his value in the paddock. While he may have missed out on the Red Bull era, his role in shaping the future of a major German manufacturer like Audi could prove to be an even more significant legacy. Whether he can finally secure that elusive podium remains to be seen, but his journey proves that in F1, the road to the top is rarely a straight line.