Currently test/reserve driver for Williams F1 Team, Hulkenberg admitted he has not been in talks with any F1 team in the past but is ready to shift to negotiations from now on. He made no secret from the fact that he prefers staying at Grove for his F1 debut, especially since the British team has an option to sign the German driver for a racing seat next year.
In addition, the GP2 champion is managed by one of the most influential men in the F1 paddock, Willi Weber, mostly known for his long-time managerial commitments with 7-time world champion Michael Schumacher. Adding the fact that almost all GP2 champions have stepped into Formula One the following year – with the sole exception of Giorgio Pantano – Nico's chances look better by the day.
“We are negotiating with several teams. Williams has an option,” Weber told the German news agency DPA.
Romain Grosjean, the driver with the highest chances of challenging Hulkenberg for the GP2 title this year, already made his way into F1 while replacing Brazilian driver Nelson Piquet Jr. In addition, second placed in the championship Vitaly Pedrov is also in talks for securing an F1 deal, as he has been intensively linked with a move to Campos Grand Prix in recent weeks.
“Petrov is very good and he's a workhorse; he works very hard and takes it all very seriously. I have a lot of respect for him,” said Hulkenberg.
Hulkenberg's chance of making his F1 debut might have the name of Nico Rosberg written all over it. The son of former F1 champion Keke Rosberg is likely to leave the Grove based team at the end of the season – when his contract runs out – for a place in the Brawn lineup, therefore leaving a spot open in Frank Williams' team.
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