Nico Hulkenberg says he would be disappointed, but accepting of the situation, if he was unable to race at the upcoming 70th Anniversary Grand Prix, as he continues to eye a 2021 Formula 1 return.
Hulkenberg was a late stand-in for Sergio Perez at Racing Point for the British Grand Prix after the Mexican tested positive for Covid-19.
Hulkenberg qualified 13th at Silverstone but was unable to participate in the race after a sheared bolt within the power unit of his RP20 meant the system could not be started.
Racing Point has yet to determine its line-up for the upcoming second event at Silverstone.
Hulkenberg is present at Silverstone and carried out media duties on behalf of Racing Point on Thursday.
But Perez has now been cleared by Public Health England after carrying out a seven-day quarantine period, as per the guidelines at the time, and is now awaiting the results of another test.
Should Perez return a negative test then he can ostensibly return to duties from Friday morning.
“Obviously that would be of course somewhat disappointing after preparing, being back in the car, getting a taste of it, and then this,” said Hulkenberg.
“But obviously it was always clear that I’d come in as a temporary replacement for Checo, not knowing if it is one race, two races or what.
“He’s the main driver and whenever he’s good to race again he’ll be back.”
Hulkenberg missed out on a full-time drive for the 2020 season after his three-year spell with Renault came to an end.
He is understood to have held discussions with Haas, before it opted to retain its line-up, as well as Alfa Romeo, where the situation is complicated by Ferrari’s influence over one seat.
On the prospect of a 2021 seat, Hulkenberg said: “To be frank I’ve been in contract with quite a few people from the Formula 1 industry and a few team principals because obviously we all know each other.
“Some were just casual chats, some more about the future subject.
“I’m definitely in discussions and talks there but nothing to say concrete yet there. I guess it’s a matter of a couple of weeks before things get will get a bit more concrete and firm.”
