'Impatient' Hulkenberg 'Realizes That Haas Is At A Dead End' Says Ralf Schumacher
F1Wednesday, 08 November 2023 at 23:00
Former F1 driver Ralf Schumacher shared his opinion on Haas driver Nico Hulkenberg and his situation inside the team.
Nico Hulkenberg was one of the most promising talents in F1 history when he entered Formula One. However, he did not have much luck with the teams he picked to fight for the Championship.
Hulkenberg holds an unlucky record for the most Grand Prix Race starts without a podium finish (201). After season 2019, he did not have a seat in Formula One anymore and thought his career might be over.
In 2023, he made a comeback when he signed to drive for the Haas. The German driver showed multiple great performances, mainly in qualifying sessions.
But Haas cars struggle with tire wear and usually fall down the grid when the race comes. Former F1 driver Ralf Schumacher wrote in his Sky Deutschland column:
"The Haas update doesn’t seem to work, the tire wear is incredibly high. Haas gave Hulkenberg the chance to get back to Formula 1. That’s why I think it’s fair and right that he stayed at Haas."
The American team struggles with a low budget and does not have the facilities to ever compete for the World Championship against teams like Red Bull, Ferrari, or Mercedes.
"But, Hulkenberg also realizes that Haas is at a dead end with everything they do. Haas is probably no longer up to date to be able to compete in the current Formula 1."
Hulk has recently been rumored to be in consideration for the seat in Audi Sauber for the season 2026. Schumacher thinks he might want to get out of Haas.
"That’s a shame for Hulkenberg. You get the feeling that he’s dealing with the situation openly and honestly, but maybe he’s also hoping that he can get out of it somehow."
Hulkenberg has also openly criticized his team recently after the 2023 Mexico City Grand Prix saying: "Hopefully it is a wake-up call to everybody in the factory."
"His statements and his face speak volumes. I understand him because he doesn’t have forever anymore, either."
Even though Nico Hulkenberg isn't the oldest driver on the grid, he is 36 years old and knows his time is running out. Schumacher added:
"He can still do it. He has experienced 200 Grands Prix and hasn’t even been on the podium. It’s clear that he’s getting impatient."
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