Jeddah (AP) – Nothelfer Nico Hülkenberg has issued a good certificate for his renewed commitment as Formula 1 representative of Sebastian Vettel.
“I drove cleanly, didn’t allow myself to make any mistakes. I put everything in and didn’t leave anything behind,” said the 34-year-old on the Sky microphone after the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix. Hülkenberg was in twelfth place in the defeated Aston Martin, just like at the season opener in Bahrain, without any World Championship points. The Rhinelander had stepped in for the corona-infected Vettel.
“I drove to the limit of the car, mine anyway. I got along better than I thought,” said Hulkenberg. At the upcoming race in Melbourne in two weeks, compatriot Vettel should take over the cockpit again. Hulkenberg had again confirmed in Jeddah that he still hopes for a regular place in Formula 1. At Aston Martin, Emmerich is usually only a reservist.
The absence of Vettel in the first races of the season hit the team all the harder because the new car has major weaknesses. Without the four-time world champion, the racing team lacked important empirical values for the further development of the car. “We are now traveling back to Silverstone and will be working hard there to improve the car for the Australian Grand Prix,” said Team Principal Mike Krack.