Force India deputy team principal Bob Fernley believes Nico Hulkenberg would be making a mistake if he left the team to join Haas.
Hulkenberg has been linked with a Ferrari drive on many occasions, but with Kimi Raikkonen being retained for 2016 an immediate move has been ruled out. However, with Haas joining the grid next season and having a close technical partnership with Ferrari, driving for the American team could increase the possibility of a future switch to Maranello.
With Haas saying Hulkenberg is a driver on its shortlist for next season, Fernley told F1i he feels Hulkenberg will be better off remaining with Force India.
Asked about the Haas link, Fernley replied: “I don’t think that would happen.
“I would be surprised. Haas will do a great, great job but it’s not going to be an easy first year. Nico may be better waiting for a while, he’s better with us I think next year than with a new team.”
Fernley also confirmed talks with Hulkenberg are ongoing, adding: “Yes, I don’t think there’s any issues there. I’m sure Nico will stay with Force India.”
And Fernley said he wasn’t overly concerned about losing Hulkenberg to Ferrari while Raikkonen’s future was uncertain.
“It’s always been our intention to secure Nico and Checo [Perez] for 2016. I’m not sure the Ferrari move was such a big worry for us for Nico.”
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