Hülkenberg is the hero of the day: He didn’t expect to score points

Once again, Haas’ routine competitor excelled in the time trial staged on a drying track in variable conditions, but knowing the team’s tire management problems, he was not confident he could remain among the top eight in the sprint race. Then the weather “rushed to his aid”, as the skies cleared again before the sprint, and the race began on a damp track.

Hülkenberg managed to make the most of the conditions: not only did he keep his position at the start, but taking advantage of the two Red Bull shots, he reached second. Later on, faster opponents forced him behind.

The German was sixth when Haas decided to challenge him and risk the dry track tyres. The move paid off, as Hülkenberg was much faster than the opponents remaining in the center and successfully closed to the position from which he started to change the wheel. He also saved three points, which was a surprise.

“I’m happy. First, that’s three points in the bag that we really didn’t expect. I think that’s very positive.” – announce after the wave, and then talk in more detail about the wheel change made at the start of the race.

“The Intermediates were starting to wear off. I struggled with it more than the others and lost several positions with them. In the meantime, the track was ready for dry tyres, so we decided to change because it didn’t look like there would be any more rain. I think it was the right move.” He said.

Team principal Gunther Steiner confirmed in his short assessment that he is proud of the team for being able once again to take advantage of the opportunity presented in difficult circumstances. “It was a good day for them. First of all, we got into the SQ3 with two cars in the race time trial, and Nico collected the points in the race. That was important and positive for the team. Normally we do well under these difficult conditions. There’s still work to do.” With it, but we will improve. Three points in the sprint, that’s really good!” He said.