Nico Hulkenberg seeking full-time F1 return with "right opportunity"

Hulkenberg in Jeddah — Photo: © LAT Images

Nico Hulkenberg

Hulkenberg seeking full-time F1 return with "right opportunity"

Hulkenberg's desire to race was rekindled in Bahrain

Ian Parkes & Topher Smith

Friday 25 March 2022 16:45

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Nico Hulkenberg has expressed his interest in a full-time return to the F1 grid should the "right opportunity" present itself.

Hulkenberg is making his second substitute appearance in Jeddah this weekend as he again deputises for the Covid-stricken Sebastian Vettel at Aston Martin.

With Kevin Magnussen making his own return to the sport with Haas this season, Hulkenberg would also welcome an opportunity to return on a full-time basis after his appetite was whetted during his Bahrain outing.

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"Yes, of course, if there is a good opportunity," said the German when asked about the possibility.

"I'm definitely I'm up for it, having been away and having done Bahrain with the rush of qualifying, the excitement of the race and battling on lap one.

"There are a lot of great things that happen in Formula 1 and it's a lot of fun so if the right opportunity is there, then of course, but it’s not an easy task."

Vettel "on the back foot" upon return

Hulkenberg believes regular Aston Martin driver Vettel will face an uphill battle should he return for the next race in Melbourne after missing the first two weekends and the experience of new machinery in qualifying and race conditions.

"He is lacking those two races so will start on the back foot but he is very skilled and talented, I think he's capable of catching up," added Hulkenberg.

"For sure, he has a bit more work to do and dig a little bit deeper to try and make up for it."