'Alfa Romeo wanted to bring Hulkenberg back, but Steiner stopped it'

Rumors

'Steiner held off Hulkenberg's move to Alfa Romeo'
16 September 2023 at 07:30
Last update 16 September 2023 at 10:45
  • Toby McLuskie

A while ago, it was announced that Alfa Romeo will participate in the '24 Formula 1 season with the same driver pairing as this season. However, the choice for the driver pair did not come easily. At least, that's what the Swiss newspaper Blick reported. Even Hulkenberg would have been an option for the Swiss F1 team.

'Alfa Romeo would have liked Hulkenberg'

Alfa Romeo would have liked to have signed Nico Hulkenberg, the paper reported. Guenther Steiner most likely put a stop to this. Hulkenberg wanted to go to Alfa Romeo/Sauber, and so Steiner used the clause in the German's contract. Felipe Drugovich was also briefly on the Swiss team's list, but it was probably too big a risk for the team from Hinwil.

The reason fans are unhappy with Alfa Romeo's performance seems to be explained. In 14 races, the team only managed to get 10 points. Bottas achieved six of those, and Zhou four.