Hülkenberg or Perez at Red Bull in 2021?

After 13 completed Grand Prix in the current F1 season, it must be acknowledged that Alex Albon’s performances have not been convincing so far. So much so that Christian Horner, director of Red Bull Racing, set himself until the conclusion of the Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix to make a definitive decision on Albon’s future with Red Bull for the 2021 season.

Albon’s recent performances do not advocate in his favor. In this 2020 season, the results are not meeting expectations. In 13 Grand Prix this season, he currently ranks 9th among drivers with 64 points. Simply insufficient in itself. His best result was a third position at the Tuscan Grand Prix. Since his podium, he has earned only one point in four races. The outcome seems inevitable as Red Bull truly needs a more consistent and confident driver alongside Max Verstappen to accumulate the maximum points in the constructors’ championship for the 2021 season and get closer to Mercedes.

In contrast to the company tradition, Christian Horner mentioned the possibility of looking for a driver outside the Red Bull subsidiary since Pierre Gasly is staying with AlphaTauri for the next season. In this scenario, the two most plausible options for 2021 are therefore Nico Hülkenberg, without a seat, and Sergio Perez, who will be replaced at Racing Point/Aston Martin by Sebastian Vettel.

The German Nico Hülkenberg could prove to be an interesting solution as a replacement for Albon. The 33-year-old driver impressed this season by coming to Racing Point’s rescue for three Grand Prix races, replacing Perez and Stroll. He could even have replaced Albon this season if the latter had been unable to participate in the Eifel Grand Prix due to COVID-19. He could therefore be in the running for 2021.

In 180 Grand Prix, he has never stood on the podium. He made his debut with Williams in 2010 where he achieved his only career pole position at the Brazilian Grand Prix. Afterwards, he raced with Force India, Sauber, Renault, and Racing Point this season where he notably achieved 7th and 8th positions. He has always been a consistent driver throughout his years in F1 but has never managed to secure a place with a top team. Wrong place at the wrong time?

Perez, 30, has proven throughout his career that he is also a reliable and consistent driver. He has reached maturity since his F1 debut in 2011 with Sauber. So far in his career, he has achieved eight podiums, including two 2nd place finishes. He also raced for McLaren in 2013, then Force India/Racing Point since 2014. This season, he is currently ranked 6th in the drivers’ championship with 82 points, three points behind Charles Leclerc, having missed two races due to COVID-19. There is no doubt that he could certainly bring this stability and consistency to Red Bull in 2021. His experience will allow him to cope with his formidable teammate Max Verstappen and he presents the significant advantage of having substantial financial backing. This combination makes him the frontrunner to inherit this highly coveted seat.