Why Haas dropped Schumacher to sign Hulkenberg

Guenther Steiner has explained that Haas have elected for a "well-seasoned" line-up for the 2023.

The American F1 team chose to hire Nico Hulkenberg as their second driver for the 2023 season, partnering Kevin Magnussen.

Their decision is a change in tactic from recent seasons, having elected to field two rookies in 2021: Mick Schumacher and Nikita Mazepin.

Crash damage and an inability to keep up with Magnussen's points total resulted in early-season pressure from Haas on Schumacher, with the 23-year-old failing to make the grade for a third year with the team.

Steiner opts for "experience" and "reliable racer"

With experience in racing for Williams, Force India (now Aston Martin), Sauber and Renault, F1 veteran Hulkenberg completes what Steiner believes to be a "well-seasoned driver line-up".

“I’m naturally very pleased to be welcoming Nico Hulkenberg back to a full-time racing role in Formula 1,” commented Steiner.

“The experience and knowledge base Nico brings to the team is clear to see – with nearly 200 career starts in Formula 1 – and a reputation as being a great qualifier and a solid, reliable racer.

"These are attributes, which when you pair them together with Kevin Magnussen’s experience, gives us a very credible and well-seasoned driver line-up which we believe will help push the team onwards up the grid.

"That’s obviously the goal and it was that ambition that has prompted Nico’s return to Formula 1 – he shares our vision and can be a key player together with the rest of the team in building on the foundations we’ve laid this year with our return to the points battle.”