Why Hulkenberg says his latest return is unlike previous ‘Hulkenbacks’ · RaceFans
Nico Hulkenberg has revealed the past two months have been “very intense” for him as he prepares for his full-time return to Formula 1.
The new Haas rider’s last full racing season was in 2019. He has since been called up as a substitute five times, each time for the team now known as Aston Martin. Hulkenberg competed in three Grands Prix for Racing Point in 2020 and two more for Aston Martin early last year.
When Hulkenberg joined Haas for post-season testing in late 2022, he admitted he felt “a bit of human degradation” from the physical challenge of being back in an F1 car.
He described his return to the cockpit last week as “great fun” after his first day in Bahrain in the Haas VF-23. “Doing 51 laps was quality work, I would say. A little less than we wanted, but like I said: quality laps. It’s about starting somewhere and then learning over time, learning about the car, making changes and seeing how the car responds.”
While he needed to stay race-ready during his years as a part-time reserve driver, Hulkenberg had a tight window to get in shape this year due to attending pre-season testing and so didn’t get the extra month of training he received in 2022.
“I spent two months pretty much exclusively in the gym and then running and everything. I obviously had time to prepare this time, so unlike other Hulkenbacks. It’s a different nature. I feel good.”
“I had two very intensive months in preparation,” explained the 35-year-old. “I invested a lot of time, energy and sweat in this. But I felt today that it was worth it, I’m ready, my body is strong and that’s exactly what I need and want.”
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After winning the GP2 (now Formula 2) title as a rookie in 2009, Hulkenberg impressed in his first season with Williams, taking a memorable pole position at damp Interlagos. But he already knew by this point in his debut season that he would not be driving for the team next year when the well-heeled Pastor Maldonado took his place.
Hulkenberg returned in 2012 but after eight years in Formula 1 his full-time career appeared to be over when Renault relinquished his services. It’s clear the desire to return to racing is still burning strong ahead of a season that should see him mark his 200th career start.
“I’m glad that I made good use of the winter time and I’m happy that it’s finally starting,” said Hülkenberg. “The theory can stop and the practical part takes over and it’s nice to be out there again. Exit the garage, release the pit limiter and once again feel the F1 acceleration and forces. It was very pleasant and fun.”
Aside from being in “top-notch physical condition” thanks to his off-season work in the Haas VF-23, Hulkenberg said he also quickly built a degree of comfort with the driving demands of the car.
“As a driver you look for that good and healthy connection to the car and you find a good harmony. And that’s how we started.”
He described himself as “fairly pleased” with his first impressions of the VF-23. “For me personally, above all how I feel in the car [is positive]. I already get the feeling and the harmony in this early phase with the car.
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“So that means a lot to me because that’s the foundation I’m building from here for the rest of the season. So far, so good.”
While this weekend will provide the first real indication of how well Hulkenberg has adapted to his new team, early signs are encouraging, as confirmed by Haas team boss Guenther Steiner.
“What impressed me was how he got into the car yesterday morning and felt comfortable in it very quickly,” he said of Hulkenberg.
“He started straight away, did his job, it seemed like he had been here for a year. I’m not exaggerating – I was very impressed by that.”
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