Hulkenberg warned against extending Haas F1 stay

Ex-Formula 1 driver Ralf Schumacher has warned Nico Hulkenberg against committing his future to Haas beyond the 2025 season.

Hulkenberg returned to the F1 grid last year with the American squad having spent three seasons away from full-time competition and working in a reserve role at Aston Martin.

Haas endured a difficult 2023 campaign as its lacklustre race pace often saw it unable to compete against rivals across a grand prix distance.

However, it has made solid improvements for the current season with Hulkenberg scoring twice in the opening four rounds.

Despite its gains across the winter break, Schumacher remains unconvinced that it is the right environment for his compatriot.

When asked if Hulkenberg should remain at Haas for 2025, Schumacher told Sky Germany: “No, certainly not.

“Haas is certainly a great team and everything will get better there, but the structure doesn’t look to the future.

“Investments are pending but are not being made because [team owner] Gene Haas has other ideas.

“It's a nice, small team for newcomers like Oliver Bearman."

Hulkenberg 'eager for more'

Hulkenberg opened his point-scoring tally at the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix before following up with another top 10 finish in Australia.

The 36-year-old almost scored another point last time out in Japan but missed out to local favourite Yuki Tsunoda.

Despite the disappointment at Suzuka, Hulkenberg praised Haas’ strong start to the season

"I rate the leap we have made since the start of the season very positively and very well,” he said.

“We have a completely different starting point than last year. Last year in the race it was always a one-way street backwards, i.e. in the wrong direction.

"Now we've seen on four different routes that we can keep up. I'm happy and eager for more."