Official: Nico Hülkenberg at Sahara Force India for several years

Nico Hülkenberg was one of the key figures in the transfers at the end of 2013, and he experienced moments of doubt and disappointment during the past few months. Initially considered for a signing with Ferrari during the summer break to replace Felipe Massa, the German was overtaken by Kimi Räikkönen for the second red seat. Then it was Lotus F1 Team’s turn to promise him a seat, pending the necessary finances to sign the contract. However, as the agreement with Quantum was slow to finalize, the black and gold team was forced to choose another driver, Pastor Maldonado, who brought short-term finances with support from PDVSA.

It is therefore in a total climate of uncertainty that Nico Hülkenberg saw the start of this December, as the 26-year-old driver had just completed a superb season that saw him secure a strong 4th place at the Korean Grand Prix, ahead of Fernando Alonso with an equal engine. However, the German had already experienced disappointments, such as on the evening of the 2010 Brazilian Grand Prix, during which he secured a superb pole position on a wet track driving a modest Williams. Sir Frank Williams’ team had to part ways with him to bring in Pastor Maldonado with his sponsor PDVSA. Nico had thus secured a place as a third driver with Force India during 2011, before Adrian Sutil’s eviction allowed him to gain the full-time seat in 2012. Encouraged by Sauber’s performances that year, the German decided to take a chance in Switzerland, but payment issues and a lack of sporting performance in the first part of the season must have made him doubt his choice, before recovering in the second half of the season. However, the Swiss team’s financial difficulties likely pushed him to look back.

Nico Hülkenberg thus signs this time a multi-year contract with a team whose working methods he knows having spent 2 years there. « I am happy to return to Sahara Force India. The team has high goals for next year, and I think the experience gained during these years will help us achieve them. I sincerely believe we can have a competitive package in 2014. I have heard many positive things about the Mercedes engine as well, so I think there are many exciting things about next year. I know this team and I can see their determination, it’s a good group of people and we share the same hunger for success. »

His new boss, Dr. Vijay Mallya, is also satisfied with the signing of this contract, with a driver that the F1 circle holds in high regard. “I am delighted to see Nico back with Sahara Force India. When he drove for us in 2012, it became clear that Nico was an exceptional talent, and he has continued to impress everyone in the paddock by delivering strong performances this season. Having Nico in our driver lineup clearly shows our intentions and will be a huge boost for everyone associated with the team. We have high hopes and great expectations for 2014, and by signing Nico, we have put ourselves in the best possible position to achieve them and enjoy what could be our best season.”

Force India has only to announce its second driver for the 2014 season, as it seems to be between Sergio Pérez and Adrian Sutil, with an advantage to the Mexican driver, while Adrian Sutil could take the reverse path of the German, to arrive at Sauber. But transfers in Formula 1 are complex and sometimes unpredictable, which could lead to some surprises that Motors Inside will be sure to relay to you.