Nico Hulkenberg on third F1 return

Niko Hulkenberg’s services were once again in demand: in the first two stages of the season, Aston Martin’s reserve driver replaced the ailing Sebastian Vettel. In his column on the business portal Linkedin, Niko told what it was like…

March 17, Thursday, early morning in Monaco. There is a very loud knock on our door. I haven’t slept enough yet, but I have to get out of bed and open it: my neighbor Christoph is breathless on the doorstep: “Vettel, coronavirus, telephone! ..”

When I picked up the phone, I immediately understood why I had to wake up. Seconds later, Aston Martin team principal Mike Krak called and confirmed that Sebastian Vettel had been diagnosed with Covid-19 so I should arrive in Bahrain.

In the past, when I had to get back behind the wheel at Silverstone and the Nürburgring, everything happened at the last minute, so this time I was relatively calm. Also because this time I was warned earlier.

What happened next seemed almost business as usual: I called Martin Poole, my coach, and also Raoul Spanger, who helps me with the press, and asked if they were ready for a new adventure. Then I booked tickets, packed my suitcase, said goodbye to my wife and daughter and went to the airport.

Admittedly, the journey took a little longer, as we had to fly to Bahrain via Amsterdam. During the flight I experienced a whole range of emotions, there was both joy and anticipation, but at the same time I understood that I had to take on a very difficult task.

I haven’t driven a Formula 1 car for 18 months, besides that the technical regulations of the championship have changed and I had to drive a new generation car. Sure, I spent a few hours on the simulator over the winter, but this just doesn’t compare to real work on the track.

The advantage of such unexpected comebacks (they are even called “Hulkenbacks”) is usually that there is no time at all for reflection. After a late arrival in Bahrain and a short night, the adventures began, and then all doubts were cleared. It may sound a bit crazy, but the weekend in Bahrain seemed like a short and fun vacation to me. I really enjoyed driving the new Formula 1 car and racing it.

The results in qualifying and the race did not live up to the team’s expectations, but it was important to gain as much experience as possible, to gather as much information as possible and it was important that both cars participate in this process. And personally I was able to recover racing skills.

After a short consultation with the team, but also with Sebastian, we decided after the race to fly directly to Silverstone, to the Aston Martin base. There was a real possibility that I would start again next weekend, and the track in Jeddah is very difficult, so it was useful to get to know it and study its configuration.

As it turned out, we didn’t lose any time: on Friday morning Sebastian’s test was still positive and it became clear that I would have to get behind the wheel again.

In Saudi Arabia I tried to find the right mood, so that there was a certain balance between calm and calm. Unlike Bahrain, this most difficult course immediately demands intense attention: when the average speed per lap is around 260 km/h, you experience a very exciting feeling, because even the smallest mistake can have serious consequences.

Unfortunately we didn’t manage to get above 18th position in qualifying, but in the race we showed good pace and I finished 12th. Physically it was already easier for me this time, and if we had a little more luck with the moment the safety car appeared on track, we could even earn points.

Overall, my third return was again an interesting experience. I have experienced so many emotions in such a short time. Of course it took me a few days to get used to it, but I’m very happy that I was able to support the team, even though I haven’t driven a Formula 1 car for a long time.

Let’s see if this story gets a next chapter, if there is another comeback. But I will be ready.