Aston Martin on 'very talented' Hulkenberg: 'He's very good at that'

Nico Hulkenberg was given the chance to compete in two Grands Prix with Aston Martin at the start of 2022 as Sebastian Vettel's replacement. The German had contracted the coronavirus and was unable to compete. Tom McCullough, Aston Martin's performance director, says how surprised the team was at Hulkenberg's quick adaptability.

Hulkenberg was called up at the last minute by Aston Martin for the 2022 Bahrain Grand Prix. The German held the position of reserve driver for the British team for the past two seasons. According to McCullough, there was little time for seat adjustments or appointments, but Hulkenberg went straight for his goal.

"He is a naturally very talented driver. You put him in a qualifying or race situation and ask him to get the most out of the car. He is very good at that, no matter what he drives or has driven over the years. He has class and a lot of talent," the Briton says in conversation with Grande Premio.

McCullough also praises Hulkenberg's control ability. "One thing he has always been able to do is drive very fast. He really has a natural car control. Whether it's in the rain with little grip, he can immediately find where the grip is."

Next season, Hulkenberg will be back on the Formula 1 grid with a full-time seat at Haas. There, he replaces Mick Schumacher, who failed to convince the team of his talent. Guenther Steiner wanted a driver with more experience, something Hulkenberg certainly possesses.