The German driver contested the Bahrain and Saudi Arabia Grands Prix after Sebastian Vettel tested positive for coronavirus .
Despite not having raced in F1 since 2020, Nico Hulkenberg outpaced his Aston Martin teammate, Canadian Lance Stroll, in Bahrain and managed to see the checkered flag in both events.
Vettel can now get back into his car to return to competition at the Australian Grand Prix, which will see Hulkenberg return to his role as reserve driver for Silverstone.
Having shown strong performances in both appearances, considering his lack of experience with the 2022 cars, it is clear to Hulkenberg that his interest in competing in F1 has reignited.
However, despite being open to an opportunity if it were to come along, he says it’s not the end of the world for him if it doesn’t happen.
“Of course I miss racing,” he admitted. “Some days more, some days less. I think it’s normal. I feel like racing, but I’m not desperate.”
“If it’s not going to be like that, then I was more or less psyched up already. And obviously now with these things, with COVID, there have been opportunities in 2020 and now, so who knows what else could happen this year.”
“But I think I see it as quite complicated and difficult to get a seat in the future. But if there is an opportunity, call me.”
Although his short-term goal was to get the best possible results from the first few races, Hulkenberg says gaining experience with the new car could be particularly valuable as Aston Martin tries to find answers to its disappointing results.
“There is work to do, we have to improve the car in many areas,” he said. “When you lack rhythm, it’s never because of one thing.”
“But you know, it’s good from the point of view that I’ve managed to do two races for the team, to collect data, and get the information, so that they can work for the future.”
Aston Martin is the only team apart from Williams that has failed to score points in either of the first two races of the 2022 season.
