Young German driver Nico Hulkenberg is looking for a new Formula One team after failing to agree a contract extension with Williams, the motorsport’s official website reported.
While the British-based team has retained veteran Brazilian Rubens Barrichello for 2011, the 23-year-old Hulkenberg will seek a new race seat following an impressive rookie season.
“I heavily regret that, because I would have been happy to stay with Williams,” said Hulkenberg, who secured the team’s first pole position since 2005 in Brazil this month.
“I want to thank the team for a great time and I wish Williams all the best for the future.”
His agent Willi Weber, who also represents seven-time world champion Michael Schumacher, said the 2009 GP2 Series winner would remain in motorsport’s elite class next year.
“Nico will have his seat in F1 in 2011,” Weber told the official website. CNN International
Despite that team co-owner Frank Williams said: “We are very proud to have supported Nico as he secured the Formula Three and GP2 titles and during his debut in Formula One.
“At Williams we have for many years tried to bring new talent into the sport, and we are convinced Nico will go on to great things.
“We wish him well and hope that our paths will cross again in the future.”
It was understood the team would not announce their line-up for 2011 until after this week’s Young Driver test in Abu Dhabi in which GP2 champion Pastor Maldonado and Formula Two champion Dean Stoneman will drive this season’s Williams car.
However, it now appears increasingly likely Venezuelan Maldonado, who brings with him considerable financial backing which Williams desperately need, will almost certainly replace Hulkenberg, who it has been suggested could now join Hispania Racing. The Press Association
A Williams statement said their second driver would be confirmed “before the end of the year”.
The Venezuelan, who has not yet been confirmed by Williams, will drive for the team at the post-season tyre test in Abu Dhabi at the end of this week.
Barrichello, who has driven in more grands prix than anyone in history, will be entering his 19th season in F1 in 2011.
The season-opening race in Bahrain will be the 306th race, and 302nd start, for the former Jordan, Stewart, Ferrari, Honda and Brawn driver. BBC Sport
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