Niko Hülkenberg is set to return to the sport at this weekend’s FIA Formula 1 World Championship season opener at the Bahrain International Circuit for the MoneyGram Haas F1 Team.
The German driver left the sport in 2019 after not being offered a contract in 2020 by the Renault F1 Team but despite not being involved in a full-time role, he has had multiple reserve roles, with the most recent of those being with the Aston Martin Aramco Cognizant Formula 1 Team last season, where he participated in two races due to the absence of Sebastian Vettel at the Bahrain Grand Prix and the following race in Saudi Arabia.
Hülkenberg replaces fellow countryman Mick Schumacher this season to race for Formula 1’s only American team. The latter didn’t manage to impress the Haas hierarchy and despite scoring his first points at the British Grand Prix, a number of costly crashes were his downfall, and a failure to score points at good opportunities cost him his seat eventually. Hulkenberg is seen as a reliable option and one that could score points regularly if given the correct machinery to do so.
“It’s not like I’ve never been away but I’ve raced nearly all my life, this is what I’m trained to do and I think racing DNA is so engrained inside me, that when we start working I just know what to do, all the instincts kick-in. I’ve felt really good from the get-go and throughout the test, which I’m pleased about, and since I’ve been relaxing, training and analyzing all the data.”
“I feel like I’ve settled in well, the team has welcomed me nicely – it already flows well. I’m more of a race guy than a testing guy so I’m looking forward to showtime where it matters and counts a bit more – I’m ready for attack mode.”
Hülkenberg spoke on the team and where they see themselves challenging this season after a partly successful 2022 season, which was an improvement on their standing in their previous season.
“The midfield has always been tight, and small things make a difference to whether you’re at the top end or bottom end and even a good day or bad day can have a huge impact. We just need to make sure we do our homework and here onwards develop our car efficiently and maximize what we have.
Kevin Magnussen – “It’s been a good job done by all the team and we’re ready for 2023.”
Kevin Magnussen prepares for his second season back with Haas after his return to Formula 1 in a last-minute move to replace Nikita Mazepin last season and he will be hoping he can aim towards a similar result to the one he secured at last season’s Bahrain Grand Prix.
“I come into this season prepared physically first of all, and I feel way better than I did this time last year. It’s nice to hit the ground running and we had a good pre-season test where we’ve learned the things we wanted to learn.”
Magnussen has a new teammate this season after Schumacher lost his seat last season, and the Dane has spoken about him and the way his experience has helped the team during pre-season testing with feedback.
“I didn’t see Nico much as we were splitting the days as when he’s been driving, I’ve been watching and then when I jumped into the car he’s been watching. He’s been giving good feedback and he’s been very consistent, having a good test as well, so it’s going to be good.”
Haas are expected to be right in the centre of the midfield battle, battling out with teams such as Alfa Romeo F1 Team Stake and McLaren F1 Team and Magnussen is hoping that he and the team can come out on top in that battle.
“It’s the usual suspects at the front but after that there is a big group of teams where it’s very difficult to see where you are. We know we’re in the mix and it’s a long season ahead, it’s a development race that’s going to happen.
“It feels that high-speed is very strong in this car and overall, it feels like a good car. It’s been a good job done by all the team and we’re ready for 2023.”
