Does Vandoorne's arrival signal a deal between Haas and Hulkenberg?

Stoffel Vandoorne and Felipe Drugovich become Aston Martin's new test and reserve drivers. Nico Hulkenberg had filled this role for many years. Does this mean he has a seat at Haas or is this the German's farewell from Formula 1?

On Tuesday morning, Aston Martin presented Vandoorne as their second test and reserve driver for 2023. Earlier, Formula 2 champion Drugovich was put forward and now it appears that the British team wants to split the role in two. That was not the case in recent years, with Hulkenberg filling that role with the team since 2020. In the statement, the team therefore calls this a "new role".

Hulkenberg to Haas?

The German did his job properly, as with his huge bucket of F1 experience, he made five good substitutions and scored 10 more points with his substitutions in 2020. He also filled in for two more races in 2022, but stuck to a 12th place in Saudi Arabia as his best result. There may be more in the pipeline in 2023.

Hulkenberg is, in fact, on Haas' radar. The team has already confirmed that talks have taken place and it now looks like a battle between Mick Schumacher and Hulkenberg for the seat. The fact that Aston Martin has already named two other reserve drivers may indicate that Hulkenberg has been given preference at Haas.

Other options for The Hulk

Yet this is not necessarily the case. It could also well be that Hulkenberg is in his final year at Aston Martin and is playing all or nothing. Playing a reserve role for another few years may not see him happy either, so it is a seat at Haas or a complete exit from Formula 1.

The latter option is for Hulkenberg to still be on the payroll at Aston Martin as a third reserve driver or for another team to pick him up. In any case, with 184 Grands Prix behind his name, the German brings with him a mountain of experience and that could well help a team develop the car and find the right setup on a weekend.