Haas confirms Hulkenberg F1 comeback for 2023

The Haas F1 Team has confirmed Nico Hulkenberg's return to the F1 grid in 2023, the F1 veteran replacing countryman Mick Schumacher.

Hulkenberg, 35, will partner Kevin Magnussen next season at Haas but the German will make his debut with the US outfit next week, driving this year's Haas VF-22 at the Pirelli tyre test that will take place on Tuesday.

Rumors of Hulkenberg's comeback had been gathering pace for weeks, but Ferrari protégé Antonio Giovinazzi was also in the frame for the seat alongside Magnussen, as was incumbent Schumacher.

Haas team boss Guenther Steiner singled out Hulkenberg's "experience and knowledge" as the main reasons for his recruitment.

• Read also: Schumacher 'disappointed' with Haas exit, but 'fire still burns for F1'

"I’m naturally very pleased to be welcoming Nico Hulkenberg back to a full-time racing role in F1," Steiner said.

"The experience and knowledge base Nico brings to the team is clear to see – with nearly 200 career starts in F1 – and a reputation as being a great qualifier and a solid, reliable racer.

"These are attributes, which when you pair them together with Kevin Magnussen’s experience, gives us a very credible and well-seasoned driver line-up which we believe will help push the team onwards up the grid.

"That’s obviously the goal and it was that ambition that has prompted Nico’s return to F1 – he shares our vision and can be a key player together with the rest of the team in building on the foundations we’ve laid this year with our return to the points battle."

Hulkenberg, who subbed for Aston Martin's Sebastian Vettel in the first two races of 2022, will enjoy in 2023 his first full-time season in F1 since 2019.

"I feel like I never really left Formula 1," commented The Hulk. "I’m excited to have the opportunity to do what I love the most again and want to thank Gene Haas and Gunther Steiner for their trust.

"We have work ahead of us to be able to compete with all the other teams in the midfield, and I cannot wait to join that battle again."

Hulkenberg made his F1 debut with Williams in 2010, and went on to race for Force India, Sauber, Renault, Racing Point and Aston Martin, starting 181 Grands prix overall and scoring 521 championship points.

The German holds an unviable record in F1 as the driver who has started the most F1 races without ever scoring a podium.

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