Hulkenberg 'relatively optimistic' over securing Haas seat

F1 veteran and super-sub Nico Hulkenberg says he is "relatively optimistic" on his chances of returning to F1 next season.

While the current Aston Martin reserve driver did not specifically mention Haas as his target, the US outfit is the only team that still has a seat to fill for 2023.

Over the summer, Hulkenberg, who subbed for Sebastian Vettel on the first two rounds of this year's campaign, emerged as a strong candidate to replace Mick Schumacher alongside Kevin Magnussen at Haas.

Since however, Haas team boss Guenther Steiner have said that Schumacher still has a 50-50 chance of retaining his seat for 2023.

It therefore appears that the young German and Hulkenberg are top off Haas" list for next season.

Speaking this week on Servus TV, Hulkenberg gave his fans an update on his chances of returning to the grid.

"At the end of the day, it’s not my decision. I’m not making it," Hulkenberg told the Austrian broadcaster.

"There are still talks. I am relatively optimistic, but we will have to be patient a little longer."

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Interestingly, Aston Martin revealed on Tuesday that FIA Formula E champion Stoffel Vandoorne would join the Silverstone-based outfit as its reserve driver alongside F2 champion Felipe Drugovich.

This could imply that Hulkenberg was not contracted to Aston for 2023 due to his commitment to Haas.

Speaking to RTL, Steiner reiterated his view that the team's driver choice for 2023 is about Haas interests in the "medium to long-term".

"For me it's no longer about one race, one lap. For me, it's about what's best for the Haas team in the medium to long term," said the Haas chief.

"It's not like if Mick scores points now, he has the place or not," added Steiner who said that "who is capable of leading the team stably into the future" is a prime consideration.

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