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Hulkenberg 'thought he was done' in F1 before Haas call

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Jolyon Palmer has provided an insight into his conversations with Nico Hulkenberg, ahead of his announcement at the Haas F1 team.

Ex-F1 driver Palmer claims that Hulkenberg 'thought he was done' in Formula 1, after a period of uncertainty around his F1 future.

Hulkenberg had been rumoured to be a candidate for the second Haas seat for much of the season, but endured a frustrating wait for confirmation as Mick Schumacher fought to retain his seat.

Speaking prior to the Brazilian Grand Prix, Palmer, who raced alongside Hulkenberg at Renault in 2017, gave an early indicator about Haas' 2023 line-up.

"I think there's going to be a 'Jolyon Palmer teammates' reunion done at Haas [with] Kevin Magnussen and Nico Hulkenberg together for next year," Palmer said on the F1 Nation podcast.

"They famously didn't like each other at the time, but it seems like they do now, so Guenther [Steiner] will be pleased about that."

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Palmer sees benefit of experienced Haas line-up

Palmer recalled a conversation he had with Hulkenberg earlier in the year, where the 35-year-old thought his career as a full-time F1 driver was over.

"I spoke to Nico in the in the summer, and he was saying 'I think I'm done here, I've got nothing more, I don't think I'm going to get back on the grid' and suddenly this opportunity comes to him," the Briton added.

"You can see why with Haas needing or wanting experienced drivers. He's shown what he can do - it's a bit harsh maybe on Mick - but I think he's ready for it as well.

"So, for Nico to jump back in and, as long as he's motivated, it'll be a good line-up."

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