The surprise Nico Hulkenberg: The happiest man on the F1 grid

Naturally, Haas tried via a protest to get the outcome of the Melbourne race changed. No doubt the American team knew there was no chance of the officials being right. But even if the chance was only 1 per cent, it was an opportunity to finally let Hulkenberg get his hands on an F1 trophy. Because no matter what the suave German did in his long career at Williams, Force India, Sauber, Renault, Racing Point, Aston Martin and now Haas, he never reached the podium.

Totally fresh

There was no mention of any disappointment over a missed opportunity in a press release from his Haas team last week. On the contrary, what stood out was Hulkenberg's positivism. He spoke of 'a lot of good things happening' at Haas and 'a very good momentum'. Yet most notable was the statement, "I’m refreshed, in a very positive mindset and really enjoy working with the team and experimenting with the car."

After two years of seasons on the sidelines, during which, incidentally, he did get to step in twice as a reserve driver at Aston Martin, Hulkenberg is all the way back. When his comeback was announced, as a replacement for 'talent' Mick Schumacher, there were some comments here and there. After all, why sideline someone with potential for a driver who has had his chance, hasn't even driven structurally in F1 for years and, moreover, hasn't proved to be a proven winner?

Hulkenberg the right man for Haas

Hulkenberg has given the answer himself in the first weeks of the season on and off the track. Unlike Schumacher, he knows how to grab precious points on the rare occasions when opportunities arise for a modest team like Haas. Hulkenberg manages to stay out of the malaise, hardly makes any hard hits and his feedback to the mechanics is very valuable. Hulkenberg has experienced everything - apart from that podium, that is - and that is exactly what Haas needs at the moment: someone who takes the team structurally into the midfield from his experience.

It is a role that suits Hulkenberg and one he visibly enjoys. Smiling, he makes his way around the paddock during Grand Prix weekends. The German is balanced and does not let all the daily hustle and bustle of Formula 1 drive him crazy. Hulkenberg is now a father of a daughter, so he knows what is really important in life. Racing is fun, a good way to earn a decent living; nothing more.

Bonus for Nico

No doubt Hulkenberg also realises that his contract at Haas is a bonus, because few drivers who have reached old age get a second chance in Formula 1 after their initial farewell. That is usually only reserved for the greats like Fernando Alonso. On each their own level, there is a nice comparison to be made between these two veterans: Alonso, too, is enjoying a second youth at Aston Martin, as Hulkenberg is at Haas.

In Australia, he failed to finish on the podium. Who knows, maybe there will be another chance sometime this season. Hulkenberg has managed to surprise more often in the past. A mentally fit Nico Hulkenberg might finally manage to reach that podium. Nobody in the paddock would begrudge him that.