After three years without a full-time seat, Hulkenberg returned with the US-owned F1 team.

During his absence he made five appearances for Racing Point/Aston Martin.

The German scored twice in Q3 in his first three races with his new team, and in Australia he scored his first points with a strong seventh place finish, although Haas believes he should be higher And protested the result but without success.

“I’ve taken a lot of positives from this race and going forward,” Hulkenberg said after the race in Melbourne. “I feel like there’s a lot of good things going on. I’m refreshed, I’m in a good mood, I’m very positive, I’m hungry.

“I really enjoy working with the team, developing the car, testing the car, we have a really good pace and momentum and I think that’s what we want to keep and keep now and bring that into the next couple of races. “

Hulkenberg admits he now has high hopes after the car has proven competitive.

“This is my third game after three years,” he noted. “It’s crazy and funny how people get used to it and get spoiled so quickly. I mean the first few races, we’ve been in Q3 twice, once I think 11th.

“Kevin (Magnussen) got a point in Jeddah, I’ve scored now, so I think if you take a step back, I think the season is off to a good start.”

Esteban Ocon, Alpine A523, Nico Hulkenberg, Haas VF-23, Yuki Tsunoda, AlphaTauri AT04, the rest of the opening lap

Photography: Lionel Ng / motorsport pictures

As Hulkenberg’s mileage increased, he felt more comfortable in the car.

“Obviously, the beginning of the season is a steep learning curve for the team,” he said. “But also for myself after leaving. So I’m very happy and confident because we have more good things ahead of us.

“I felt good from the start. I think the connection between me and the car, obviously, we’re still growing, we’re still only in the third race. And I feel like it’s getting better and better, which is good .”

Hulkenberg acknowledged that competition in midfield meant it was easy to move up and down the order.

“I think you have the front four teams, or the five teams, I don’t know about Alpine, but the midfield is five teams. So, no more backmarks.

“Almost in a few tenths, we’re all in a bubble. So a small mistake can have huge consequences. But if it’s good, or vice versa, you’ll find yourself in the top 10. But it’s Fun and competitive.”