Max Verstappen remains the dominant figure at Red Bull Racing, consistently leading the charge as the team’s primary points scorer since Daniel Ricciardo’s departure in 2019. With the 2024 season unfolding similarly, former Formula 1 driver Ralf Schumacher has identified Nico Hulkenberg as the perfect teammate to complement Verstappen and strengthen Red Bull’s lineup.

Earlier this year, Red Bull made a bold decision by replacing Sergio Perez with rookie Liam Lawson. However, Lawson’s stint lasted only two races before Yuki Tsunoda took over, yet Tsunoda has also struggled to match Verstappen’s pace, often falling outside the top ten. These challenges have fueled concerns about Red Bull’s competitiveness in the constructors’ championship.

Why Ralf Schumacher Sees Nico Hulkenberg as Verstappen’s Best Partner

Ralf Schumacher highlighted the positive dynamic between Max Verstappen and Nico Hulkenberg, noting their good rapport as a key factor that could ease integration at Red Bull. He also pointed out Hulkenberg’s strong start with Sauber this season, underlining the German’s reliability and consistent performance as valuable assets for the team.

“[Nico Hulkenberg] would look good at his [Max Verstappen’s] side. They get along and Nico started well in Hinwil. You can also see it from the results, we cross our fingers.” —Ralf Schumacher, Former F1 Driver

This is not the first time Nico Hulkenberg’s name has been linked to Red Bull. Discussions about a potential move surfaced as early as 2021, but no deal was ever finalized. Nevertheless, Hulkenberg’s consistent form with teams like Haas and Sauber has reinforced his reputation as a dependable and experienced driver, even if he has yet to secure a podium finish in his long F1 career.

Red Bull’s Ongoing Struggle to Find a Suitable Second Driver

For over a decade, Red Bull has faced difficulties in fielding two drivers capable of consistently competing at the front. While Verstappen’s talent and results have been unquestionable, his teammates have often lagged behind, unable to fully unlock the potential of the Red Bull car. Despite technical and developmental efforts, this gap persists, raising questions about the team’s strategy and driver lineup.

Hulkenberg’s Experience as a Valuable Asset for Team Development

Ralf Schumacher emphasized Hulkenberg’s extensive experience in F1, calling it one of the best forms of feedback currently available at Sauber. The German has spent much of his career racing in midfield teams like Force India, Renault, and now Sauber, which required him to offer detailed technical input and adapt to constant development challenges. Schumacher contrasted this with drivers from dominant teams such as Mercedes, where the car’s performance lessens the need for extensive feedback.

“I don’t want to offend anyone, but I can imagine that Nico’s feedback is the best that Sauber has had in recent years. He learned from experience, he has always been in teams where there was a lot of work to do: he was not in Mercedes, for example, where the car was perfect and the driver just had to drive.” —Ralf Schumacher, Former F1 Driver

This depth of insight and willingness to assist development could make Hulkenberg a strategic fit at Red Bull, where car performance and adaptability are crucial across a demanding, highly competitive season.

Potential Impact of a Hulkenberg Partnership for Red Bull

If Hulkenberg were to join Red Bull, his experience could enable him to communicate precise demands to engineers, improving car balance and performance, while also offering Verstappen a teammate capable of delivering consistent points and challenging for top positions. This dynamic could help Red Bull close the gap in the constructors’ standings and reduce overreliance on Verstappen.

Despite these advantages, Red Bull has not publicly indicated interest in recruiting Hulkenberg for the upcoming seasons. Fans and analysts will have to observe future developments closely to see if Milton Keynes revisits the possibility of signing the veteran driver, especially as the team seeks stability alongside their reigning champion.

What Lies Ahead for Red Bull and Verstappen’s Team Setup

Max Verstappen’s continued dominance reinforces the need for Red Bull to find a teammate capable of easing his workload and contributing to the team’s overall success. Hulkenberg’s availability and track record present a compelling option, but whether Red Bull acts on this choice remains uncertain. The ongoing search for a reliable and competitive partner will likely shape Red Bull’s strategic moves as the season progresses and planning for 2025 begins.