“I’ve been picking up the training intensity,” Nico Hülkenberg prepares himself for a ‘possible’ opening for a 2023 seat
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Nico Hulkenberg
Nico Hülkenberg left Formula 1 at the end of the 2019 season. It wasn’t really a conventional retirement on Hülkenberg’s behalf but the driver was left without a seat in his grasp. Ever since, the German has been a part of the Formula 1 team but not as a full-time driver. He has raced on five other occasions after leaving the sport in very unusual circumstances. But there is still a chance for his return on the grid next season.
Haas’ team principal, Guenther Steiner opened up on his preference for the next season’s lineup. Steiner doesn’t want to work with a rookie again. Hülkenberg could be his favourite considering the qualifications and requirements the team wants. The German suits well for a team’s understanding after only coming up and driving his way to P3 in qualifying for Racing point back in 2020 after Sergio Perez got restricted due to COVID.
Nico understands the importance of his opportunity and is working to get a full hold of it. “But who knows? Maybe there’s an opportunity for next year for the future. So recently, I’ve been picking up the training intensity a bit again,” said Hulkenberg.
Nico Hülkenberg on the difference being on the grid creates
Nico Hülkenberg has not been a regular on the grid for some time now. However, he did drive the first two races of the season this year, due to Sebastian Vettel’s absence from COVID. But driving for a whole season requires a different level of training and mentoring, in addition to understanding the pressure and media requirements.
“Obviously if you are not in the car, you are not in the hot seat. You don’t have the performance pressure, you don’t have to answer to the media or anyone,” said Hülkenberg.
Though he admitted that he does miss the grid: “So from that point of view, it’s a bit more relaxed. But of course, there are times when I miss the competition – being on the grid, feeling that adrenalin, the excitement, the kick of racing in Formula 1,” concluded Hülkenberg.
The addition of Nico Hülkenberg on the grid with Haas will mean the end of Mick Schumacher’s stint after only two seasons in Formula 1, but there is a possibility of a seat at Williams.
Also Read: Mick Schumacher reportedly in negotiations with Haas for 2023 contract extension
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Soham Raj Jain
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