Nico Hulkenberg is back on the grid! The German will be replacing his fellow German driver and four-times world champion, Sebastian Vettel, for the season-opening Bahrain Grand Prix. 

As for Vettel, it seems that the 2022 season has started on a sour note for him. The 34-year-old was recently diagnosed with Covid-19, which will keep him out for the weekend. 

Also Read – Nico Hulkenberg Thinks 2022 F1 Cars Are “Pretty Damn Fast” But He’s Not Impressed

This isn’t Hulkenberg’s first rodeo as a backup driver. The German replaced Sergio Perez for two races at Silverstone last year. He also filled in for Lance Stroll at Racing Point, at the 2020 Eifel Grand Prix, which also marks his last appearance on the grid.

Nico Hulkenberg

McLaren too had a Covid scare in its garage, with Daniel Ricciardo being tested positive last week. However, he has since made a full recovery and will be available for this weekend’s race. 

Despite registering no wins in his career, Hulkenberg has carved himself a healthy fan following amongst F1 enthusiasts, and many were elated to hear the news of his return.

Here are some of our favourite Twitter reactions:

https://twitter.com/ElMarioRpp/status/1504391259200368651?s=20&t=Sq5D-xD379vWDWfHjYeK1w
https://twitter.com/bdotsenol/status/1504401404449988608?s=20&t=Sq5D-xD379vWDWfHjYeK1w