Hulkenberg has reached limit after F1 test in Abu Dhabi: 'It was tough'

Nico Hulkenberg made his first metres in the Haas car at the Yas Marina Circuit on Tuesday. After a number of fill-in starts over the past Formula 1 seasons, the German will return next year with a permanent seat.

After a long absence from F1, Hulkenberg made his first appearance for Haas in Abu Dhabi. By the end of the day, he had reached his physical limit though, the driver admitted in conversation with Speedweek.com.

"A day chock-full of data, with a lot to take into the winter break. We had planned to get plenty of driving in, and we almost succeeded," he refers to the forced one-and-a-half-hour break after the Ferrari power unit failed. "I am satisfied with this day, there were no surprises. Physically, I have to admit - it was tough, I reached the limit."

Hulkenberg completed 110 laps during the test and ended the day with a 19th time. Twenty-four drivers were in action during the test day, which was designed to give rookies the necessary mileage, but also to test the new Pirelli tyres for 2023. Nyck de Vries was the most productive driver of the day and Ferrari occupied the entire top three.