Nico Hulkenberg admits that he is still seeking a full-time return to the F1 grid following his latest appearance as a reserve driver. The German has been without a race seat since the end of 2019, when he was replaced at the then-called Renault outfit by Esteban Ocon. Since then, Hulkenberg has made three stand-in appearances for the former Racing Point guise, when he substituted for Sergio Perez and Lance Stroll after each contracted COVID-19 in 2020. He was called upon again at this year's season-opening Bahrain Grand Prix to cover for Sebastian Vettel, who had tested positive for coronavirus, and will again fill in for the four-time World Champion in Saudi Arabia as Vettel's recovery continues.
Could Hulkenberg make a Magnussen-style comeback?
In light of Kevin Magnussen's surprise return to Formula 1 this season to replace Nikita Mazepin at Haas, Hulkenberg has been questioned on whether he still hopes to secure a similar return to a race seat. This is something that the Aston Martin reserve driver remains open to, though he acknowledges that it may not be easy. "Yes, of course, if there is a good opportunity," Hulkenberg told media including RacingNews365.com . "I'm definitely I'm up for it, having been away and having done Bahrain with the rush of qualifying, the excitement of the race and battling on lap one. "There are a lot of great things that happen in Formula 1 and it's a lot of fun, so if the right opportunity is there, then of course, but it's not an easy task."
Hulkenberg pleased with 2022 return to the F1 grid
After receiving the call to replace Vettel in Bahrain, Hulkenberg was faced with the task of adapting quickly to the new cars, given the vast range of updated technical regulations that have come into effect since he last participated in a race weekend. However, the German was pleased with his weekend in Sakhir overall. "I think everyone's learning curve is very steep with these new cars," Hulkenberg explained. "There's lots to learn, and it will continue for the months to come. Personally, obviously it was a very big [learning curve]. "The weekend went well. The race was fun, but it was difficult at the same time. "I obviously haven't raced in a few years. It's just so many things that happen during a race, things change constantly, so to keep up with all that was tough. "Dealing with the car issues that we have, per se, but I think I did pretty well."
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