When Nico Hulkenberg was last in Formula 1 with Renault, the German developed a fierce rivalry with Haas’ Kevin Magnussen.
The pair could often be found battling on track and their moments together in the paddock were often fiery, with Hulkenberg once telling Magnussen that he is “once again most unsporting driver on the grid,” to which the Dane replied by telling Hulkenberg to “suck my balls.”
Both drivers have left Formula 1 and then returned, with Magnussen returning to Haas last season to replace Nikita Mazepin before Hulkenberg joined him this season in the place of Mick Schumacher.
Since their fierce feuds in the past, Hulkenberg and Magnussen have both entered the latter stages of their career, something which comes with increased maturity.
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In a recent interview, Hulkenberg explained that he and Magnussen are getting on very well, giving a typically comedic answer when asked if he and he teammate are ‘rubbing’.
“Rubbing, rubbing and tugging and hugging and everything,” laughed the German.
“We actually sort of broke the ice here 12 months ago when I stepped in for Seb [Vettel].
“There was this driver picture on Sunday morning and we happened to be standing behind each other.
“I thought it was time to break the ice and reached out with a hand and with a smile and put his words into his face.
“That’s where our relationship actually started 12 months ago and ever since it’s actually been pretty good.
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“We’ve been hanging out a bit over the winter in the UK doing some marketing and media stuff. So far, so good. I feel no type of friction between us.”
Haas’ driver lineup this year is a start contrast from the inexperienced rookie pairing that they had in 2021, with the experience of their current duo being something that could help the team return to the midfield permanently.
The team improved significantly last season and scored points on a number of occasions, however Haas will be hoping to become almost ever-present in the point scoring positions this season, with the long-term aim being to return to the podium.