Nico Hulkenberg: It all seems like a fairy tale

When Renault F1 did not renew Nico Hulkenberg’s contract in 2019, it seemed that his Formula 1 career was over. It was hardly foreseeable that he would still have many races ahead of him, that he would return to the championship as part of Haas F1 after three seasons as a reserve driver at Aston Martin.

Even harder to imagine would be to become a driver for the Audi works team, which is being created on the basis of Sauber. But that is exactly what happened.

“This is a good story! – Niko shared it in an interview with The Race. – And when we talk about Audi coming to Formula 1, it seems like a fairy tale in general. Because you can’t expect that after three seasons they will write about you like they write about you now. This is all great, I am very happy and proud.

When I tried to return to the championship, I was looking for such an opportunity, but of course I didn’t have much choice. You could say that the contract with Haas was the last straw that I took. Moreover, this team started the 2022 season well, but then the progress stopped. When I signed a contract with them, I knew that not only sunny days awaited me. It was clear that days of failure and headwind were inevitable.

But I just wanted to get back to the championship because I missed racing, I missed working with the team, I missed these cars. I just wanted to come back and do my best. During the three-year break in my career I learned to appreciate what Formula 1 gives, I realized how much fun it gives me, even when things aren’t going well. But I know that sitting at home on the couch is much worse!

So when I got back behind the wheel at Haas I tried to take full advantage of the situation. Even though we had difficulties on Sunday, I still prefer this option.”

Hulkenberg is willing to admit that the contract with Audi came as a surprise to him: “Yes, it was a pleasant surprise! When I signed the contract with Haas, I could not foresee how events would develop. I just wanted to enjoy my work, enjoy the moment and wonder what awaits me…

Because I was in a good mood and had the right psychological attitude, I was able to show good results, which in turn resulted in such a great opportunity. I am very happy with how everything went…”

After 14 rounds of the season, Haas has 27 points and Nico has earned 22. The American team is seventh in the constructors’ championship, just seven points behind sixth place.

If we manage to climb it, it will be a very important achievement according to Hulkenberg: “Then there will be an incredible turn of events, especially since we were last last year. I will push until the last corner of the last race to earn as many points as possible. I owe it to this team.”