After a high in Melbourne with a solid P7, Nico Hülkenberg and Kick Sauber have found themselves battling inconsistencies, and not just on track. Speaking ahead of the F1 Miami GP, Hülkenberg reflected on the challenges of the C45 and the unpredictable nature of their midfield competition.
“Well, I hope not and I hope that we can shift the limit up as the season goes on,” Hülkenberg said during Thursday’s FIA press conference when asked if Sauber had already reached the ceiling of the car’s performance.
“Yes, it’s true, the last couple of races, it’s been difficult. On some tracks, we were a bit more competitive than others. I think Jeddah in particular, I feel in Quali we didn’t maximise the potential and in the race, we simply weren’t competitive enough.”
Sauber have “a lot of work to do” as Audi takeover looms
Track dependence seems to be the current theme but the midfield’s razor-thin margins make flawless execution a necessity.
“So, like I said, I feel it’s a little track dependent, and in the midfield, it’s so tight that you have to be perfect on the execution every time to get something meaningful. So, that’s where we are. I think we are aware that we still have a lot of work ahead of us, but we’re not that far away either.”
As for what suits the C45? Hülkenberg believes that low- and medium-speed circuits favour Sauber’s 2025 challenger. However, he acknowledged that temperatures and other track conditions could play a significant role.
“Maybe from what we’ve seen so far, actually a bit more the low and medium speed, which obviously here has a little bit more content of that. But, we’ll find out, and you know, temperatures and conditions always play a role.”
While Audi’s future takeover looms large, Hülkenberg insists Sauber can’t afford to put down tools just yet.
“I think it’s very important to still build momentum this year. Everything we do now somewhat matters next year. Of course, a different set of regulations, but we have to push on parallel,” he said.
“I’m sure that’s what everyone is doing, especially the big teams. But I still want to see some progress this year and we want to score more points. Long year, we’re still pretty early in the season, so still a lot to play for.”
Hülkenberg weighs in on championship fight
Nico Hülkenberg didn’t mince words when asked about the incident between Max Verstappen and Oscar Piastri in Shanghai.
“Well, I think these guys are fighting for the championship, you know, that’s what it looks like right now, and probably that will continue like this. So there are no gifts when you fight for a championship, and in racing in general.”
Referring to the Turn 1 clash, he called it a “lap one action”, and admitted such moments are simply “part of racing.”
“It’s lap one action, Turn 1 – you come in with quite high speed even though it’s not the longest of runs. So for me personally, I think it’s part of racing and these kind of things just happen.”
Hülkenberg fond of “bit different” Miami circuit
As the paddock gears up for year four of the F1 Miami GP, Hülkenberg was candid about what he thinks works, and what doesn’t.
“I like it here personally,” he said, echoing comments by Mercedes’ George Russell, “As George said, it’s a bit different.”
However, Hülkenberg did raise one issue with scheduling: “4 PM – I think it’s more an FIA subject but it’s a little late for me personally. And traffic is definitely a topic here.”
Jokingly, he added, “And unfortunately this year, apparently the Grand Prix cut the police escort budget. It would be nice to have that back for next year, please.”
