Nico Hulkenberg is a strong candidate for a Haas seat for the 2023 season. According to ESPN, the German driver has the best chance of replacing his compatriot Mick Schumacher in the squad.
Nico Hulkenberg spent his last full season in Formula 1 in 2019 with Renault, but then periodically replaced Sergio Pérez, Lance Stroll and Sebastian Vettel in Racing Point / Aston Martin when they skipped stages due to the coronavirus. Hulkenberg has a good relationship with team principal Günther Steiner and Haas is looking for an experienced and reliable driver to partner with Kevin Magnussen.
With Daniel Ricciardo in danger of missing next season, Haas has only three options: continue with Mick Schumacher or invite Hulkenberg or Antonio Giovinazzi to replace him.
Giovinazzi worked with the team for Friday free practice at Monza and will drive in Austin, but Steiner denies that the team is evaluating the driver before a possible purchase. Antonio is participating in a training course at the request of Ferrari, which wants him to gain experience in driving a real new generation car to be more productive in the simulator.
It’s no secret that Kevin Magnussen and Niko Hulkenberg haven’t had the best relationship in the past, but the differences are in the past and, according to ESPN sources, Kevin has backed Niko’s candidacy. Either way, Haas is in no rush to make a decision and next season’s roster is unlikely to be confirmed before the Singapore Grand Prix.
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