Nico Hulkenberg will return to Formula 1 full-time with Haas in 2023

Nico Hulkenberg will return to Formula 1 full-time with Haas in 2023, replacing Mick Schumacher.

The 35-year-old German left Formula 1 at the end of 2019, but later made five substitute appearances for Racing Point and Aston Martin, the last of which he played with Sebastian Vettel in the first two races of this year.

He has amassed 181 Grand Prix starts – driving for Williams, Force India, Sauber, Renault, Racing Point and Aston Martin – and has played as reserve driver for Aston Martin in the past two seasons.

Read more: Schumacher and Haas to part at the end of 2022

Hulkenberg scored 521 points, with a career-high fourth-place finish—plus the one pole position he achieved at the Brazilian Grand Prix in his rookie season in 2010 with Williams.

“It is only natural that I welcome Nico Hulkenberg back into a full-time racing role in Formula 1,” said Gunter Steiner, President of Haas.

“It’s clear that the experience and knowledge base that Nico brings to the team – with nearly 200 career starts in Formula 1 – and a reputation as a great qualifier and a solid and reliable racer. These are the traits, which when paired with Kevin Magnussen’s experience, give us a group of very reliable and experienced drivers. well which we believe will help move the team forward.

“Obviously that is the goal and that ambition that has driven Nico back into Formula 1 – he shares our vision and can be a key player, along with the rest of the team, in building on the foundations we have laid this year as we return to the points battle.”

Hulkenberg added: “I am very happy to move into a full-time racing seat with the Haas F1 Team in 2023. I feel like I have never left Formula 1. I am excited to have the opportunity to do what I love most. Once again I want to thank Gene Haas and Guenther Steiner for their trust.” .

Analysis: Why Haas parted ways with Schumacher – and how Hulkenberg got the nod to fulfill the dream of an F1 comeback

“We have work ahead of us to be able to compete with all the other teams in midfield, and I can’t wait to join that battle again.”

Hulkenberg will start for Haas on Tuesday after the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, driving the car this year as part of a Pirelli test, with backup driver Pietro Fittipaldi performing young driver duties in a second car.

Quali mega laps: lap by Nico Hulkenberg at the 2010 Brazilian Grand Prix