For Nico Hülkenberg, the Formula 1 race in Mexico this weekend is a very special one: the German is celebrating his 200th Formula 1 Grand Prix. But Hülkenberg also knows: “It’s not a time to celebrate. It’s time to work. Because none of the competitors will give us anything.”
Because Haas is still in an important battle in the championship. Williams’ seventh place seems to be gone now, but they could still get close to Alfa Romeo, who are only four points ahead of Haas.
But: Haas has to be careful not to be pushed into last place by AlphaTauri. Because they scored five points in Austin and are now only two points behind the Americans, who have only scored one point in all races since Austria.
“We were more competitive on Sunday”
But the racing team is fighting back and brought a new, extensive upgrade package to Austin, which doesn’t seem to have been a big hit. In the qualifying and the sprint we were just lagging behind, and things only got slightly better with a set-up change on Sunday. But you had to live with having to start from the pit lane.
“Of course that made our lives a little more difficult, but looking back it was the right decision,” says Hülkenberg, who ended up finishing eleventh just outside the points, but of course benefited from the disqualifications of Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc.
“We were more competitive on Sunday and it was the first day where we saw positive signs. In terms of tire management, it was one of our best races in a while,” he praises. “But we’re still learning about the package and I hope there’s more to come. It’s been positive.”
And what does that mean for the upcoming weekend in Mexico? “Hopefully a better performance,” said the German, but he knows that a completely new challenge awaits in Mexico. “The route and the circumstances are different, always challenging,” he says. “It’s about maximizing our package and putting the best car on the track.”
“It’s just fun to be part of Formula 1”
And at the same time, the 200th Grand Prix is being celebrated by Hülkenberg, who even unpacked a special helmet for it. “It’s obviously a nice success to have 200 races,” he laughs. “Last year, of course, I wasn’t in a position where I saw this coming. But things can change so quickly in Formula 1.”
“At the end of next year I’ll be close to 230. That makes me happy. I’m doing what I like and what I’m passionate about,” he says, assessing his current situation positively despite the sporting failure. “It’s just fun to be part of Formula 1. Especially now since the comeback, I’m having a lot of fun – more than before.”
Of course, the fact that he is still waiting for a podium after 199 races still haunts him. When asked about it, he replied: “I had a few opportunities where a podium in a non-top car would have been possible, but things happened that prevented that.”
Hülkenberg knows: “If you’re not in a top car, then these opportunities don’t come so often.”