Nico Hulkenberg "It wasn't supposed to be 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 without racing.

Nico Hulkenberg was a reserve driver at Racing Point (now Aston Martin) having raced 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 that,” said Nico Hulkenberg.

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

“It’s been three years and there haven’t been 20 offers 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 sort of connection there.”

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

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

“And as the season drew to a close, the discussions got heavier and more serious. And I finally wanted to get back to racing. I wanted to be in the driver’s seat again. They wanted a change in the team. So our interests aligned, and here we were. here.”

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

“I think so,” said Nico Hulkenberg when asked if the Haas F1 team has potential in 2023.

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

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