Audi driver Nico Hülkenberg has stated he has no regrets about missing the opportunity to partner Max Verstappen at Red Bull several years ago.
Hülkenberg was among the names rumored as a potential teammate for Verstappen at Red Bull for the 2021 season. At the time, the German was a free agent, having parted ways with Renault at the end of 2019, and made three appearances as a reserve driver for Racing Point in 2020.
Ultimately, Red Bull opted for Sergio Pérez after the Mexican's victory at the Sakhir Grand Prix. Hülkenberg spent another two years on the sidelines before returning as a full-time driver with Haas in 2023. After two seasons with the American team, the German moved to Sauber, which has since transitioned into Audi.
Recently, Hülkenberg was asked if he ever wondered what it would have been like to be Verstappen's teammate. However, the German emphatically stated that such thoughts don't cross his mind, as he doesn't consider himself a dreamer.
"No, because I'm not the type of person who dreams. It would have been different, but it didn't happen. I had a few close calls, but at the end of the day, they don't matter. They don't count. I am where I am, and what happened, happened," Hülkenberg said.