Formula One driver Nico Hulkenberg has experienced a surprising and unusual setback during the first day of testing.

The German star was forced to skip the post-session press conference after an unexpected eye injury required immediate medical attention.

The Incident in the Garage

The injury occurred in a bizarre accident in the team garage when Hulkenberg was on track with his Sauber C45 car.

Reports from Sky Germany suggest that a small speck of dust or sand got lodged in his eye while the mechanics were busy with grinding work on the car.

A splinter from the grinding process was believed to have entered his eye during the session.

Urgent Treatment After 55 Laps

Hulkenberg had completed 55 laps in the test session and recorded a fastest time of 1:32.169, but the injury forced him to withdraw early and seek medical help.

Despite the sudden interruption, it was confirmed that the injury was not serious, and the Sauber driver was able to reappear on the second day of testing.

Hulkenberg’s Return to Formula One

This injury came during Hulkenberg’s return to Formula One after parting ways with Haas, the team he had been with for two years.

In 2023, Hulkenberg had stepped in as a substitute for the American team when Mick Schumacher was sidelined.

Now, the 35-year-old has joined Sauber alongside his new teammate, Formula Two champion Gabriel Bortoleto.

Together, they are replacing Valtteri Bottas and Zhou Guanyu in Sauber’s new driver lineup.

A Long and Successful Career

Throughout his career, Hulkenberg has driven for several prominent teams, including Williams, Force India, Sauber, Renault, Racing Point, Aston Martin, and Haas.

Despite not securing a permanent seat for many years, Hulkenberg has remained a respected and experienced figure in the paddock.

With a successful career behind him and a promising future ahead, Hulkenberg’s commitment to the sport remains strong, and fans are eager to see how he will perform in the coming season.