Nico Hulkenberg's missed Ferrari opportunity: 'I came very close'

Nico Hulkenberg’s missed Ferrari opportunity: ‘I came very close’

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Nico Hulkenberg has admitted that he was “very close” to joining Ferrari back in 2014, saying that he “would have liked to have had a chance”.

“I’m not someone who dwells on the past; I’m simple, in that respect. I’m a realist.”

– Nico Hulkenberg

The German’s F1 career has spanned 17 seasons throughout many different roles, competing in Grands Prix for Force India, Renault, Aston Martin, Haas, and now Sauber after making his debut as a test driver for Williams in 2009.

However, there was a chance for the 38-year-old to add Ferrari to that list of teams for the 2014 season, almost making the move to the Scuderia.

“You’ll have to ask Stefano Domenicali,” the Hulkenberg joked about the move, speaking to Automoto.it.

Nico Hulkenberg celebrating his maiden podium at Silverstone – Photo: Race Pictures

“It doesn’t torment me. I would have liked to have had a chance, there’s no doubt about it. Every career, however, is different.

“I came very close three times, but ultimately it doesn’t matter how close it was. I’m not someone who dwells on the past; I’m simple, in that respect.

“I’m a realist. I love what I do and I focus on doing my best for the team. The rest will follow,” the German concluded.

Hulkenberg finding his best form?

2025 marked the 17th season for Hulkenberg in F1, and it may be his finest season yet, joining Sauber from Haas for the 2025 season, with the Audi project in mind, with the German team taking over Sauber for the 2026 campaign.

The 38-year-old has shown fantastic pace across the year, and he finally made his way onto the podium at the 2025 British Grand Prix, taking P3 to end his record for the most starts without a top-three finish after 239 race starts.

Thanks to those 15 points, Sauber sits on 55 points and P8 in the constructors’ championship, a huge improvement from 2024 after scoring just four points throughout the year.

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