Nico Hulkenberg says he🍬 is talking to “quite a few people” over the possibility of securing a full-time Formula 1 drive for 2021.

Hulkenberg lost his Renault seat at the end of 2019 when the French manufacturer opted to siꦡgn Esteban Ocon to partnerඣ Daniel Ricciardo this year, and he was unable to secure another drive to remain on the grid for this season.

The German made a shock comeback at la🏅st weekend’s British Grand Prix as replacement for Sergio Perez after the Racing Point driver was ruled out of the weekend having tested positive for COVID-19, though he failedꦯ to take the start due to an engine issue.

While continuing to deputise for Perez during Thursday’s media duties ahead of this weekend’s 70th Anღniversary Grand Prix at Silverstone, Hulkenberg confirmed he is holding talks with teams about next year.

“To be frank I’ve been in con🔯tract with quite a few people from t𓆏he Formula 1 industry and a few team principals because obviously we all know each other,” Hulkenberg said. 

“Some were just casual chats, some more about the future subject. I’m definitely in discussions and talks there but nothing to say concrete yet there. I guess it’s a matter of a couple 📖of weeks before tꦯhings get will get a bit more concrete and firm.

“And if not F🧔ormula 1 to be honest that is not so clear in my mind yet either, I’ll take it one step at a time and see how things roll and which way they’re going in a couple of weeks’ time.

Perez is in line to return to action for Racing Point at the second round at Silverstone after completing his required quaܫrantine period, as lo🧸ng as he can provide a negative COVID-19 test.

Despite failing to take part in Sunday’s race, Hulkenberg’s impressive re𓄧turn to F1 machinery at such short notice drew praise from Racing Point and rival drivers, ♊with Red Bull’s Max Verstappen saying he deserves a full-time spot on the grid.

“It’s ♏nice to hear the feedback and the opinion of people about it, definitely well-received, and nice to hear and read personally,” Hulkenberg🎃 explained.

“I think it doesn’t real⭕ly play a big role when it comes to future questions because at the end of the day there are other things they are looking at.

"Of course if you have a strong result it’s a good advertisement but that stand♎s always and valid all the time.

“But I think people, and team principals don’t look at one-offs, especially when it’s under tꦿhese circumstances, so of course it would be good to have a great race, if I’m in the car.

“I just want to be a good replacement and help the team as much as I can, contribute during the race weekend, and the rest will sort itself💮 out later and is kind of a separate matter.”