Hülkenberg not retained by Sauber for 2014?
According to a Swiss publication, Nico Hülkenberg's future does not lie with the Sauber F1 team for the 2014 season. The Swiss team has reportedly decided not to retain the German driver, who has just delivered an excellent performance at Monza.
Nico Hülkenberg had one of his best F1 weekends at Monza, securing 3rd place on the grid and finishing 5th in the race – he has done better by clinching a pole in Brazil in 2010 with Williams and finishing 4th with Force India at Spa in 2012. His performance was praised by the entire Sauber team, but the German driver might not stay long with the Swiss team.
Indeed, according to *Blick*, Nico Hülkenberg will no longer drive for the Sauber team next season. Facing financial difficulties, the Hinwil-based team has seen the arrival of Russian investors who have imposed the hiring of Sergey Sirotkin. For now, the young Russian does not have a super license – essential for racing in F1 – but Monisha Kaltenborn stated in Monza that if Sirotkin obtains this license, he will be recruited by the Swiss team for the 2014 season. To achieve this goal, Sauber will have him drive a 2011 chassis to accumulate mileage.
If Sirotkin is appointed, the second seat should therefore be contested between the two current drivers: Nico Hülkenberg and Esteban Gutiérrez. The latter benefits from the support of Mexican companies, which could tip the balance in his favor unless a third party comes in to steal the win from both men.
Moreover, if Nico Hülkenberg is not retained by Sauber, he could find refuge with Scuderia Ferrari, as he is regularly mentioned as one of the contenders for Massa’s seat for 2014 along with Räikkönen and … Massa. He is also linked with Lotus if Kimi Räikkönen were to leave the Enstone team.
