After the entire Nikita Mazepin saga in 2021, Haas‘ tussle with its drivers continued in 2022. Mick Schumacher failed to live up to the expectations. Moreover, wrecking his car almost became a habit which, and for an arguably cash-strapped team like Haas, is too much to handle. That was when they felt the need to bring in a driver with a proven pedigree in the midfield. Nico Hulkenberg was a clear choice. But had the German developed too much rust over time? Results until now do not suggest so. But can he deliver them a podium finish that they so badly need? Guenther Steiner certainly has something in store for him that would motivate him.

Hulkenberg has had a long career where he’s displayed unparalleled consistency. However, some underwhelming performances, coupled with some bad luck, saw him sit out for two years. Moreover, being a driver who has only driven for midfield teams, he never got a genuine chance at landing a podium finish. He came close on a couple of occasions, but fate had different plans.

Guenther Steiner’s incentive to get Nico Hulkenberg to deliver a podium finish for Haas

Haas got a sniff of the top-3 finish last year in Brazil when Kevin Magnussen took the pole position in Qualifying. The Dane sadly slipped down to P8 in Sprint and then was taken out during the race in the first lap by Daniel Ricciardo. Since then, Steiner has dreamed of climbing the podium and, given how Hulkenberg performed in Melbourne, it’s more likely it will come through him.

Speaking with German broadcaster NTV recently, Steiner said, “I’m not talking about driver contracts, but he’ll definitely get something.”

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“I can be open about it – he won’t be angry. It will be more than a bottle of beer or wine.”

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The Haas boss revealed that it is not so much of a material thing that will do it for Nico. The former Aston Martin third driver himself has some unfinished business.

A podium finish as important for Haas as for Hulkenberg

Making its debut in 2016, Haas is the youngest team on the grid. However, ever since their debut, they have never seen their drivers taste the champagne. That is definitely a monkey they want to get off of their back. Nico on the other hand, made his debut with Williams in 2010 and hasn’t got a chance to stand on the podium either. Getting that off his bucket list would perhaps be the biggest motivation for Hulkenberg.

“There’s always an incentive, but it’s not just a material thing for Nico,” Steiner continued. “We all know he’s a very good Formula 1 driver, but he’s never been on the podium.”

“For him, that would also be a crowning achievement for his career. It would also be nice for Haas.”

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Given Red Bull’s dominant form and the other three giants Ferrari, Mercedes, and Aston Martin fighting it out for the top 3, do you think Hulkenberg has a chance of finally scoring a podium in 2023?