P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Nico Hulkenberg explained to Motorsport Week how extracting pace over a single lap in F1 qualifying has always “come naturally” to him in the sport.
In 2023, Nico Hulkenberg made a comeback to F1 with Haas after his last full season in 2019, impressively appearing in the top-10 Q3 shootout eight times, despite Haas having a less competitive package. By 2024, with Haas significantly improving as a midfield contender, Hulkenberg made 11 Q3 appearances, showcasing his exceptional qualifying skills even against the dominant top four teams. Hulkenberg’s performance in qualifying sessions highlights his status as one of the best qualifiers in F1, with his ability to push the limit and extract maximum performance from the car. Following a three-year hiatus from full-time racing, Hulkenberg’s return demonstrated that he is as strong if not better than before, indicating his psychological edge and confidence gained during his time away. Hulkenberg’s refreshing break allowed him to reflect, recharge, and come back rejuvenated to continue competing at the highest level in Formula 1.
