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Hulkenberg reacts to Marko’s shocking Red Bull admission: was Perez the wrong choice?

Redação by Redação
December 20, 2025
in Motorsports
Reading Time: 3 mins read
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Hulkenberg reacts to Marko’s shocking Red Bull admission: was Perez the wrong choice?
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Nico Hulkenberg: The Unfulfilled Dream of Red Bull Glory

In a stunning revelation that has sent ripples through the Formula 1 community, Helmut Marko, the former senior advisor of Red Bull Racing, has disclosed that Nico Hulkenberg was in the running for a coveted seat at Red Bull alongside Max Verstappen back in 2021. The admission comes with a hefty dose of hindsight, as Marko hinted that perhaps the decision to go with Sergio Perez over Hulkenberg wasn’t the wisest choice.

Hulkenberg, a driver long recognized for his raw talent on the F1 grid, has often found himself on the sidelines when it comes to top-tier opportunities. Despite his impressive skills behind the wheel, he has yet to secure a spot in a leading team—until now. The German driver had what many might consider a golden chance for a Red Bull seat, but fate had other plans. Marko revealed that Perez’s dramatic victory in Bahrain during the previous season was a pivotal moment that tipped the scales in favor of the Mexican driver.

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Reflecting on the decision, Marko candidly stated, “Hulkenberg was in discussions. Then Perez won the race in Bahrain, which was just in the decision-making phase and then tipped the scales.” It’s a revelation that underscores the razor-thin margins that can dictate a driver’s career trajectory in the high-stakes world of F1.

While Perez has indeed enjoyed a fruitful stint at Red Bull, clinching five Grand Prix victories over four seasons, his recent struggles led to his departure at the end of 2024. Meanwhile, Hulkenberg has made a remarkable comeback, re-establishing himself in the sport with stints at Haas and Sauber. His crowning achievement came with his first-ever F1 podium at the 2025 British GP, a moment that solidified his status as a driver who should not be overlooked.

Marko, ever the strategist, conceded that perhaps Red Bull’s choice was misguided. “In hindsight, you’re always smarter. Checo won then; Hulkenberg threw races away at the time. Now he’s better. The older he gets, the fewer mistakes he makes. That’s why he has a good contract with Audi,” Marko stated, acknowledging the evolution of Hulkenberg’s driving prowess.

During a recent press conference at the Qatar GP, Hulkenberg responded to Marko’s comments with characteristic pragmatism. When asked if he ever fantasized about partnering with Verstappen, he downplayed the notion, saying, “Not really, because I’m not really the dreamer type. It would be different, but it didn’t happen. I had a few close misses, but at the end of the day, they don’t matter. They don’t count. I am where I am, and what happened, happened.”

When pressed about the closeness of a potential Red Bull deal, Hulkenberg’s reply was blunt: “Well, not close enough, obviously.”

As the 2026 season looms, Hulkenberg gears up to join forces with the promising Gabriel Bortoleto as they transition from Sauber to the newly formed Audi F1 team. Meanwhile, Verstappen will welcome a new teammate, Isack Hadjar, after his impressive rookie season with Racing Bulls.

In a world where fortunes can shift in the blink of an eye, Hulkenberg’s journey serves as a poignant reminder of the unpredictable nature of motorsport. While he may not dwell on what could have been, his resilience and determination to succeed are undeniable. As the motorsport world watches closely, one thing is certain: Nico Hulkenberg is far from finished, and the best may still be yet to come.

Tags: 1958-formula-1-season2025-british-gpalfa-romeo-sauberfranziska-haasmax-verstappen-enNico Hülkenbergoracle-red-bull-racingSergio Pérez
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