Daniel Ricciardo: Nico Hulkenberg’s “ability is certainly there” to return to F1

Hulkenberg enters his last race in Formula one for the foreseeable future with Renault as his elected replacement, Esteban Ocon from Mercedes, will step in from 2020 to partner Ricciardo.
 
A move to Haas looked on the cards for the German but it didn’t work out and he hasn’t signed onto any plans for the next year, but the Aussie believes he could return at some point.
 
"I certainly think he still has time in the sport if he wants it," Ricciardo said. 

"His ability is certainly there to do it. I don't fear for him if he doesn't come back to F1. He's a pretty switched on kid, he's quite business savvy so if he goes on to do other things he'll be okay."

Ricciardo made his move to Renault from Red Bull at the end of 2018, wanting a fresh start and is grateful for Hulkenberg being “easy-going” and welcoming him to the team.

"It's been pretty easy-going. He has been easy to work with, does what he has to do and doesn't really kick up a fuss," he added.

"Also I do believe coming into the season we both had respect for each other and I think that helps, as far as we don't feel the need to do anything weird. I don't want to say I've had that in the past, I haven't had that, but it made the transition of me coming into this team quite easy.

"Pre-season, we had a bit of a laugh, after the races we might go see each other and have a drink at a party."