Formula 1 driver Nico Hülkenberg has no illusions before the Qatar Grand Prix on Sunday (7:00 p.m. CEST/Sky). The Haas driver’s look has been going on for two weeks.
“We’re trying to survive – and then all eyes on Austin,” said the Haas driver on Thursday. The 36-year-old has been waiting for World Cup points since the sprint in Spielberg, Austria, at the beginning of July.
“We only have blunt weapons and can’t fight with the other teams,” Hülkenberg said soberly after the Japanese Grand Prix almost two weeks ago.
Formula 1: Hülkenberg compares Qatar Grand Prix with Suzuka
The Lusail desert circuit is similar to the track in Suzuka, the Emmericher emphasized: “You need a lot of contact pressure and balance here too, then you have a good chance – but unfortunately we weren’t very fast in Suzuka.”
The Haas racing car is a tire eater that, after often good qualifying, is literally passed on in the races. However, for the team’s home Grand Prix in Austin, Texas on October 22nd, Haas will use an extensive upgrade that should bring about a turnaround.
“We’ve been waiting a long time and are looking forward to it,” said Hülkenberg, who is under contract with the racing team until the end of 2024.