Nico Hulkenberg’s former team principal Otmar Szafnauer hopes the 32-year-old can return to Formula 1 after losing his seat this year.

Esteban Ocon will take Hulkenberg’s place at Renault next year and he has been unable to find another seat for the 2020 F1 season

Szafnauer, who Hulkenberg drove for during his 2011-12 and 2013-16 stints at Force India, says he hopes this isn’t the end of Hulkenberg’s F1 career.

“I personally like Nico. I think he’s a talent. He’s a nice guy, if you get to know him he’s really straightforward and honest. There’s no [bullshit] with him which is quite nice in that regard.

“And I think he’s good enough to be in Formula 1. Hopefully things will work out where he’ll be able to come back one day.”

Ahead of his final F1 race weekend for the foreseeable future, Hulkenberg says he’s “not bitter” at losing his place in the sport.

“I’m fine with it, to be honest,” he said. “It’s not new, obviously I’ve known for a while this is coming. I’m fine about it.

“Also part of me is excited about the time ahead and to close this chapter, open a new one on what might happen or might not happen in the future.”

Hulkenberg has been linked to various series outside F1, but is yet to confirm any plans for next year.

“For me personally it’s just to get away for a while,” he said. “I want to disconnect a bit from racing for a few months and then see what I’m up to, where my head is, and my heart, and then reassess.”

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2019 F1 season