Hulkenberg on 'long list' of Williams candidates for 2022

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Nico Hulkenberg is a viable candidate for a potential seat with Williams next season says Jost Capito, but the Grove-based outfit's chief executive says he has a "long list" of contenders.

Formula 1's super-sub, who last raced in 2020 with Racing Point when he replaced an ill Lance Stroll at the Eifel Grand Prix, is Aston Martin's official reserve driver this season.

But the Hulk hopes an opportunity will come his way for 2022 and allow him to return full time to the grid.

Williams, with which the 33-year-old made his Grand Prix debut in 2010, could provide him such an opening if George Russell steps up to Mercedes as expected.

But pay-driver Nicholas Latifi may also be on the way out after two seasons with the British squad.

"I think at the moment we do not exclude any driver who would be available for next year," Capito told website The Race.

"Nico is available for next year. So we’ve got quite a long list."

Regarding Mercedes' decision on who from Russell or Valtteri Bottas will fill the plum seat alongside Lewis Hamilton next season, team boss Toto Wolff suggested that he could make the call during F1's summer break.

Read also: Russell frustrated to 'make my peace' with not winning in F1

"I think it is important for Valtteri and George to know where they will be driving next year and that is going to happen," Wolff said at Silverstone on Friday. "I expect some questions in Spa then."

Asked later in the day to comment on Russell's storming performance in qualifying, Wolff said that watching his protégé at work was "a treat for the eyes".

"He’s in the Top 10 and almost beats the McLaren," said the Austrian. "That shows his incredible talent. A little lion in the car."

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.