Haas driver set for new contract

Nico Hulkenberg is set to be rewarded for his solid first half of 2023 with a new contract at Haas for next year, according to reports in the German media.

The German is competing in a full season of F1 this year for the first time since 2019, and has largely impressed, outscoring teammate Kevin Magnussen by nine points to two, and notably setting the second-fastest time in Qualifying for the Canadian Grand Prix.

Hulkenberg had initially signed a one-year deal with Haas, but Team Principal Guenther Steiner said the German’s fine performances so far in 2023 mean an extension is in the offing.

"[The new contract] will be worked on soon. [Team owner] Gene Haas is coming to the races in Belgium and Hungary," Steiner told Sport.de.

"We've already talked about the contract, but it's better to do it in person than by phone or video. The new contract won't be long in coming. It's coming and we hope to get it done as soon as possible to be able to announce a new deal, because we are very happy with Nico."

Hulkenberg adapting quickly to F1 return

Steiner added that he was surprised Hulkenberg had been able to adapt to the Haas so quickly, having only driven in four Grands Prix between 2020 and 2022 while serving as a reserve driver for Aston Martin.

"I didn't expect him to be in such good shape right away," Steiner said.

"He hadn't been a full-time driver for three years, but he came in here and it clicked right away. We knew he was good, but we didn't see that he would be in such good shape immediately."

"Within the team he has a good relationship with everyone. As a driver, he is good at explaining what he wants. It is nice to see how he performs and how he competes."