A 2020 Formula One Grid Without The Hulk?

Nico Hulkenberg, Renault, F1, AGP. (C)

    We love to speculate. However, we tend to steer clear of driver predictions, especially Formula One. F1 is notoriously unpredictable, and attempting to foresee who'll drive for who, or who's out, who's in, is fraught with surprise and/or disappointment.
    Having stated all that, we can't help but notice that Renault incumbent, Nico Hulkenberg, may be without a drive in 2020. We'll make no apologies for it, but unashamedly we are a bit of a fan of The Hulk. A German karting champ, Formula BMW champ in 2005, Formula 3 Euro champ in 2008, GP2 champ in 2009. We can remember seeing Nico destroy the opposition in Sydney winning in the one make A1GP. He won nearly half of the races for Team Germany en route to the 2006-07 title. He graduates to F1 for Williams and makes the progression from test and reserve driver to race driver in 2010, bagging a pole position in his first year in variable conditions at Brazil. In 2015 he drove a factory Porsche in the Le Mans 24 Hour and won on debut. His pedigree is unquestionable. 
    Now at the time of writing his options for 2020 are limited, as he's lost his seat at Renault to Mercedes backed Esteban Ocon. Mercedes, Ferrari, McLaren, Renault, Racing Point and Haas have all settled on their 2020 lineups. This only leaves Alfa Romeo and Williams as possibilities, as Red Bull and Toro Rosso tend to employ their own sponsored drivers. The last time Red Bull hired outside their stable was Mark Webber from 2007-2013. So, has Hulkenberg missed his chance of a drive at a top team? Is he a case of unfulfilled potential? After nearly 10 years in F1, he still hasn't stood on the podium. Could F1 still spring a surprise? Perhaps a certain Ferrari driver retires freeing up a seat, or Red Bull buck their own tradition and snap up Nico? Ferrari and Red Bull could do a lot worse. Simply put, will we see The Hulk on the 2020 F1 grid? We hope so....   

    Our heartfelt thoughts and prayers go out to the family of Anthoine Hubert who tragically lost his life in a horrific crash at the Belgium GP. A star of F2 and destined for F1. Rest In Peace.
    We'd also like to wish Juan Manuel Correa a speedy recovery after sustaining extensive injuries in the same incident. Best wishes.  
     

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