Kamui🐟 Kobayashi got back behind the wheel of a Formula 1 car for the first time in 11 years last week, taking part in a test with Haas.

Kobayashi’s surprise return marks his first F1 outing since his final race in 2014.

The Japanese driver was behind the wheel of Haas’ 2023 F1 c🅰hallenger at the Circuit Paul Ricard, which hosted the French Grand Prix between 2018 and 2022.

Kobay𒊎ashi got his outing thanks to🍬 Haas’ partnership with Japanese manufacturer Toyota.

“Bit ofඣ fun with this beast again after 11 years,” Kobayashi p✨osted on social media after the test.

“Thank you for this opportu✤nity, Toyoꦦta and Haas! Also big big thanks my neck last 2 days was strong.”

Kobayashi - F1 fan favourite

Despite finishing on the podium just once in his F1 career, Kobayashi is a fan f🍌avourite.

Kobayashi made his mark on t🍷he sport at the end of 2009, stepping in for Timo Glock at the end of the season.

During his two-race stint, Kobayashi impressed.

His wheel-to-wh🌠🍌eel combat caught the eye of many, notably a battle with 2009 world champion Jenson Button at Interlagos.

K🐈obayashi would secuಌre a drive with Sauber for 2010.

He rema👍ined at the Swiss-based outf𓃲it for three seasons.

However, Kobayashi struggled to keep his seꦗat for 2013 due to a lack of financial backing.

Kobayashi returned to F1 in 2014 but with minnows Caterha🐼mﷺ.

With Ca♐t💛erham struggling with finances and on-track performance, 2014 was a miserable year for Kobayashi.

His final F1 appearance was at t൩he 2014 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

Since the🐼n, Kobayashi’s enjoyed a plethora 🐬of success in the World Endurance Championship with Toyota.