Hulkenberg makes Formula One return with Haas in 2023

Hulkenberg makes Formula One return

Haas waited a long time before making a decision on its second driver, but after many discussions Hulkenberg will get a second chance in Formula 1. It is no secret that Haas has held talks with the experienced German in recent weeks. Together with Schumacher, he was the last candidate for the second seat.

We're pleased to welcome @HulkHulkenberg to Haas F1 Team as our driver for the 2023 FIA Formula 1 season, alongside Kevin Magnussen.#HaasF1 https://t.co/GfyiUWLlYV

— Haas F1 Team (@HaasF1Team) November 17, 2022

“I’m naturally very pleased to be welcoming Nico Hülkenberg back to a full-time racing role in Formula 1,” commented Guenther Steiner. “The experience and knowledge base Nico brings to the team is clear to see – with nearly 200 career starts in Formula 1 – and a reputation as being a great qualifier and a solid, reliable racer. These are attributes, which when you pair them together with Kevin Magnussen’s experience, gives us a very credible and well-seasoned driver line-up which we believe will help push the team onwards up the grid. That’s obviously the goal and it was that ambition that has prompted Nico’s return to Formula 1 – he shares our vision and can be a key player together with the rest of the team in building on the foundations we’ve laid this year with our return to the points battle.”

Hulk Happy 

Hulkenberg was away from F1 for a few years. He said: “I’m very happy to move into a full-time race seat with Haas F1 Team in 2023. I feel like I never really left Formula 1. I’m excited to have the opportunity to do what I love the most again and want to thank Gene Haas and Günther Steiner for their trust. We have work ahead of us to be able to compete with all the other teams in the midfield, and I cannot wait to join that battle again.”

Team boss Guenther Steiner has been critical of Schumacher's performance this season. The son of Formula 1 legend Michael Schumacher is said to have not performed well enough. The German has also ended several times in the wall with his car, costing Haas a lot of money. In the end, the young driver failed to convince the team of his talent. Hulkenberg will take a seat next to his old rival Magnussen in 2023.

What now for Schumacher?

What Schumacher will do next is not yet known. Mercedes has suggested he could become a reserve driver at the German racing team now that Daniel Ricciardo appears to be heading to Red Bull. Bernie Ecclestone previously advised Schumacher to try his luck in other racing series.