Haas team principal Guenther Steiner reveals Nico Hulkenberg’s standout trait

Guenther Steiner shares insights into Nico Hulkenberg's rapid grasp of Haas' F1 dynamics.

Nico Hulkenberg (Image credit: Crash.net) and Guenther Steiner (Image credit: PlanetF1)

Haas’ decision to bring on board Nico Hulkenberg for the 2023 season, partnering him with Kevin Magnussen, has proven to be a remarkable choice. His absence from active Formula 1 competition since the 2019 season mainly saw the German assume reserve roles. However, Hulkenberg’s return in 2023 has demonstrated an undeniable retention of his exceptional skill and finesse behind the wheel.

Haas’ team principal Guenther Steiner shared Hulkenberg’s prime quality. Steiner remarked that it had been quite impressive how Hulkenberg had grasped things instantly. He pointed out that Hulkenberg had been involved in Formula 1 for a considerable duration, contributing to his swift understanding. Steiner also commented on Hulkenberg’s racing approach, stating that he approached it methodically and effectively.

He noted that Hulkenberg balanced his efforts well, avoiding the tendency to push too hard yet comprehending precisely the actions required. Steiner analogized experience to creating something not sweet, like chocolate, emphasizing that it necessitated time and effort.

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“It was quite amazing how he immediately understood. But again, he was doing this [F1] for a long time. But also how he goes about racing, he goes about the right way. He puts the right effort in, not trying to overdo it, but he knows exactly what he needs to do,” Guenther Steiner stated to Racingnews365.

Also read: Ex-F1 driver claims Kevin Magnussen is getting a taste of his own medicine from Nico Hulkenberg as the Dane suffers just like Mick Schumacher

Nico Hulkenberg established himself as F1’s ‘supersub’

Nico Hulkenberg subbing for Sergio Perez at the German Grand Prix (Image credit: F1)

In 2023, Hülkenberg’s signing marked the replacement of the accident-prone Mick Schumacher. Despite Schumacher scoring points during his second F1 season, his propensity for incurring high repair costs through incidents raised concerns.

This decision followed three years wherein Hülkenberg assumed the role of a reliable super-sub at Racing Point and Aston Martin. On three occasions when drivers contracted COVID-19, Hülkenberg stepped in at short notice.

Nico Hulkenberg believes being the F1 driver with the most starts without ever standing on a podium "actually speaks for me" in terms of his racing skills ?

Do you agree with the German driver? ? pic.twitter.com/5u9iutOADu
— Autosport (@autosport) August 19, 2023

Notably, in 2020, he filled in for Sergio Perez on the Silverstone team during the British and 70th Anniversary Grands Prix. His impressive performance included a third-place qualification in the latter and a seventh-place finish. Furthermore, Hülkenberg substituted for Lance Stroll at the Nurburgring for a race that year. Hulkenberg’s versatility also saw him starting the 2022 season as he covered for Sebastian Vettel in the first two races of that campaign.

Hulkenberg’s extensive F1 tenure includes stints at Williams, Force India, Renault, and now Haas. He was a potential Ferrari recruit in 2013 and 2014 and a contender to replace Nico Rosberg at Mercedes had he not committed to Renault in 2017. His journey unveils the dynamics of midfield teams and near-miss opportunities.