Damon Hill’s left-field shout to put midfield F1 star alongside Max Verstappen

1996 F1 world champion Damon Hill has made a shocking suggestion that Crimson Bull ought to think about giving Nico Hulkenberg an opportunity alongside Max Verstappen.

Hulkenberg was one of many standout performers of the USA Grand Prix weekend.

The German completed eighth, scoring his first factors since ending third on the British Grand Prix in July.

It might have been a fair higher weekend for Hulkenberg, who was caught up within the Lap 1 dash collision with the McLarens.

Hulkenberg had certified fourth for the dash and appeared set to problem Oscar Piastri into the primary nook.

Whereas Hulkenberg has loved a robust season by way of factors scored, he has been out-paced by Gabriel Bortoleto in latest months.

His top-10 end in Austin marked a welcome return to type, underlining that he stays some of the succesful operators within the midfield

Hulkenberg deserves a top-team probability

Not like outdated midfield rivals Sergio Pérez and Valtteri Bottas, Hulkenberg by no means received the chance to drive for a front-running group.

He was in competition to affix Ferrari for 2014, however the Scuderia finally opted for Kimi Raikkonen.

In 2017, Mercedes additionally thought of Hulkenberg, however he was locked right into a Renault contract, ruling him out as Nico Rosberg’s alternative.

For 2021, Hulkenberg was once more ignored by Crimson Bull, who as an alternative signed Pérez following his victory on the 2020 Sakhir Grand Prix.

Talking on the BBC’s Chequered Flag podcast, host Harry Benjamin mentioned: “My different shout-out goes to Nico Hulkenberg, P8, first factors for the reason that podium, unbelievable. Makes you assume what he might have achieved within the Dash, having began from fourth.”

Hill replied: “I do know that’s actual chagrin, isn’t it? I imply, what an amazing outcome, although, fourth within the Dash qualifying.

“So, the outdated canine, he’s nonetheless received the chance. He’s nonetheless displaying… what would occur when you put him in a front-running automotive?”

Benjamin then requested:“The second Crimson Bull seat?”

Hill responded: “Yeah, I imply, why not? Why not? I imply, if I have been working Crimson Bull, I’d go, let’s give him a go. Come on. I feel he will get on nicely with Max as nicely, doesn’t he?”

Benjamin added: “I feel they get on very nicely, truly. It’s not the worst choice on the planet!”