Nico Hülkenberg is the only German Formula 1 driver left. The Haas driver is making a comeback in Bahrain - and putting in a strong performance right from the start. Old champion Fernando Alonso is also surprisingly strong in his new car.
Nico Hülkenberg straightened his racing suit, put on his helmet and started his comeback as a regular in Formula 1 in the VF-23. Three years after leaving Renault, the Rhinelander confidently steered his Haas company car through the first two training sessions on Friday Season opener in Bahrain. "I've had a few years, so I know what to expect," said the 35-year-old before his return to everyday Grand Prix life. "I know what to expect and I'm just ready to get going again."
The reality check will not have been difficult for Hulkenberg. After all, the man from Emmerich knows that he drives for a racing team that only finished eighth among the ten teams in the constructors' championship last season. The second training session in particular went brilliantly. Hülkenberg, most recently a reserve driver at Aston Martin, had to settle for 14th place in the opening practice session, 2.285 seconds behind leader Sergio Perez in the Red Bull. However, he ended the second session of the day under floodlights in fifth place, just 0.469 seconds behind the leader Fernando Alonso in the Aston Martin (1:30.907 minutes).
The Spanish replacement for Sebastian Vettel, who retired at the end of last season, showed that the English racing team has made an enormous leap in development over the winter. Alonso's teammate Lance Stroll, who had surgery on his right wrist just a few days ago, finished sixth. "Small things can have a big effect and make a big difference," said Hulkenberg, the successor to Mick Schumacher, who was dumped by Haas after two years. "I think the midfield is very, very competitive and tight again."
That's where Hülkenberg wants to go, in midfield, where points and millions in bonuses await the team from tenth place. Red Bull has long been at the top. World Champion Max Verstappen finished the first day as a mere second (0.169 seconds). Directly behind him was teammate Perez (0.171 seconds), who had set the best time in the first practice session. The seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton had to settle for eighth place in the Mercedes.
Alonso's teammate Stroll had missed the test drive because of a bike accident. The Canadian had sprained his left wrist and even broken his right one. After an operation, the doctors gave the green light for a mission this weekend. It could be a successful one for Aston Martin - and possibly also for Haas and Hulkenberg.
