Guenther Steiner expects Nico Hulkenberg to be 'on the ball' immediately at Haas

Haas boss Guenther Steiner believes there will be no re-acclimatisation period necessary for Nico Hulkenberg in 2023.

Hulkenberg returns to full-time Formula 1 action next season, having secured a comeback with Haas as a replacement for the departing Mick Schumacher.

Hulkenberg has been without a full-time drive since the end of 2019, although he drove in five Grand Prix weekends in the three seasons since: three with Racing Point in 2020 as a substitute for the ill Sergio Perez and Lance Stroll, as well as in the two season-opening races in 2022 at Aston Martin as a sub for Sebastian Vettel.

Despite his lack of racing in the past three years, his new team boss Guenther Steiner believes the veteran driver will find his feet in no time as he re-adjusts to life as a full-time member of the grid.

First Day vibes ?? Welcome to the team, Nico!#HaasF1 pic.twitter.com/21bD8A1W3F

Being 'on the ball'

Speaking to the media at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, Steiner was asked whether he had any concerns about Hulkenberg's 'match fitness'.

"We looked at that one," he said.

"But, when he came in, when he replaced drivers in the last years, he was pretty on the ball straight away.

READ: Magnussen welcomes Hulkenberg to Haas, saying 2017 contretemps a thing of the past

"He will be straight on it, obviously. Physically, these F1 cars, they're quite demanding. It will take him some time to get used to it because the only way you train your muscles is by driving the cars.

"We'll cross that bridge next year, but he's pretty fit. I think we had that question as well: is he straight on the ball when he comes back after being out?

"But then you look at the results he did when he just jumped in the last minute - he was pretty good!"

Nico's up and running in the