Nico Hulkenberg "It should not have been an easy decision for Haas F1"[F1-Gate.com]

Nico Hulkenberg believes it was “not an easy decision” for the Haas F1 team to use him after three years out of racing.

Nico Hulkenberg was a reserve driver at Racing Point (now Aston Martin) after racing full-time for Renault (now Alpine) in 2019. This included five substitute appearances, including the first two races of 2022.

Nico Hulkenberg admits he is happy to be back in F1 racing.

“It feels good. I’m happy to have achieved it,” said Nico Hulkenberg.

“It’s not easy to come back after three years. I think only big names and world champions have achieved it in the past, so I’m very happy and proud.”

“It’s been three years and not 20 offers have been on the table. I’ve seen Haas and I actually talked and negotiated with Gunther and Jean (Haas) many years ago, so There was already some kind of connection there.”

“At the beginning of the year it was hard to imagine a comeback. I think it was around April or May, but I didn’t give it much thought and I think it was unlikely. Then summer came and things changed in a way. And it’s clearly a step in a positive direction for me.”

Asked how the partnership with Haas F1 Team came about, Hulkenberg said: “As usual, it starts with a conversation. It was around the summer, to see if there were possibilities and opportunities. , I spoke with Gunther, ”commented.

“And as the season came to an end, the discussions became more intense and more serious. And finally I wanted to go back to racing. I wanted to be in the driving seat again. They wanted a change in the team. So our interests were aligned, and here we are.”

Haas F1 Team finished eighth in the 2022 Constructors’ Championship but showed progress after a nonsensical year in 2021. Nico Hulkenberg believes the team has clear potential to do even better in his 2023.

“I think so,” said Nico Hulkenberg when asked if Haas F1 Team had potential in 2023.

“I think last year, 2021, was a tough year for Haas.

“Obviously, that’s my job and Kevin[Magnussen]’s job, and it’s the job of the whole team to move this team forward. Naturally, we always want to do better next year than we did last year. We start tomorrow, we start our journey together, and we’re building a team together from here on out.”