Hulkenberg increases intensity training sessions in hope of 2023 F1 seat

Nico Hulkenberg disappeared from the Formula 1 grid after the 2019 season. The German was not offered a new contract, yet he was still in action as a replacement five times afterwards due to positive coronavirus tests. It is possible that we will see the good-humoured driver from Emmerik return to the king class of motorsport on a permanent basis from 2023. In any case, Hulkenberg has already thrown up the training intensity a bit.

Speaking to Lissie Mackintosh, who has her own YouTube channel, Hulkenberg said: "Obviously I’m the third driver, but it’s only in some emergency cases. So the training intensity is probably a little bit lower you know than at the beginning of my career or than when you’re active. But who knows maybe there’s an opportunity for next year for the future recently I’ve been picking up the training intensity."

Hulkenberg an option for Haas F1

The 35-year-old driver is on Haas F1's list to replace Mick Schumacher there. His young compatriot has yet to make a convincing impression and so his seat legs are being sawed off by others. Apart from Hulkenberg, Antonio Giovinazzi is also one of the options for the American racing stable. Schumacher did not do his chances in Japan any good by crashing on the exit lap of FP1.

If Hulkenberg manages to secure an F1 contract for 2023, he will at least be away from home a lot more than he has been this year. The calendar has a record 24 races next season. As Aston Martin's reserve driver, he will not be there for all the GPs this year and will live much more in the lee. However, he would be only too happy to give up that calm.

"Obviously if you’re not in the car, you’re not in the hot seat, you don’t have the performance pressure, you don’t have to answer to the media or anyone. From that point of view it’s a bit more relaxed. But of course there is times when I missed the competition being on the grid, feeling that adrenaline, that excitement, the kick of racing in Formula 1."