The INCREDIBLE HULK

Haas F1 driver NICO HÜLKENBERG has emerged as one of the most captivating drivers of the 2024 season. We chat with the man himself to find out what's powering the Hulk's comeback...

- REILLY SULLIVAN

At the end of 2019, after 10 seasons of dedicating his life to Formula 1, Nico Hülkenberg was ready to take a hard-earned break. The German-born racer started his F1 career with Williams in 2010 before stints at midfield teams Sauber, Force India and Renault. Officially without a seat for 2020 after being replaced by Esteban Ocon at Renault, Hulkenberg was suddenly staring down the possibility of doing nothing for basically the first time in his adult life.

Ultimately, Hulk spent three seasons racing here and there as a reserve driver for Racing Point and Aston Martin, but mostly he was taking stock of his own career, and crucially what he still dreamed of achieving in F1. Last season, Hülkenberg finally locked in another full time seat with Haas, the first American F1 constructor in decades and a team that only made its grid debut during the 2016 season. In its short time on the grid, Haas have built a loyal fanbase thanks to its never say die approach to racing, pushing the limits of its finances and cars to become one of the most exciting constructors in the midfield.

It’s only fitting then that Haas is where Nico Hülkenberg rebooted his F1 racing career in 2023, paired up with fellow industry veteran Kevin Magnessun. Now married to wife Egle and a first-time father to a daughter, the new and improved Hulkeberg is hungrier for that elusive race win than ever. While a podium finish has so far evaded the 36-year-old throughout his career, Hülkenberg has more than solidified his place within the world of motorsport.

Dedication, patience and staying power are what defines the career of Hulkenberg, the only current driver on the grid who can also boast winning the legendary Le Mans endurance race (a feat he achieved on his first try in 2015). Most of all, he’s widely lauded by fans and competitors for regularly transcending the limits of his car through sheer talent, will or a blend of both.