Nico Hulkenberg will make his comeback in Formula 1 in 2023. That comeback came as somewhat of a surprise to him himself, but logically he grabbed the opportunity with both hands. Once he knew a contract was in the cards, he got busy getting back to top level physically.
He has therefore made good use of the winter period to get back to top fitness. "There was a lot of gym," Hulkenberg said in a Q&A session with Haas. "It was an intense two months, which I think were used very well to build up my physical strength again."
Hulkenberg late secured seat at Haas
He did not necessarily see a return as a regular driver coming, but at the same time he had not given up hope. "I was talking with Guenther from around the summer time, but it wasn't really until the end of the season that I really knew. So there was certainly always that hope in me, but you never really know until it's done. So I had to be patient for some time there."
On 31 January, Haas was the first Formula 1 team to present its new 2023 car. However, it remained only a livery unveiling: it was only at the shakedown, held at Silverstone on 11 February, that the final version of the VF-23 could be admired.