Nico Hulkenberg Q&A: Singapore Grand Prix
September 12, 2023
Nico looks ahead to his first Singapore Grand Prix for four years, as we return to the Marine Bay streets.
Round 16 of the 2023 FIA Formula 1 World Championship brings MoneyGram Haas F1 Team to Singapore. What is it about this country that makes it a flagship event on the calendar?
“Singapore is a beautiful city and it’s become a staple on our calendar. It’s a race everyone is excited to get to and I personally really like this event. Formula 1 has integrated a few night races into the calendar now, but this is the original, and with that comes some added excitement.”
The Marina Bay Circuit is arguably the most challenging race for drivers physically. The heat and humidity, sudden changes in weather conditions, and general adapting to a night race, how much extra preparation goes in from your side to acclimatize?
“We’re working to European timings so acclimatizing isn’t really an issue. You get to the track after lunchtime, hot, and you leave just before midnight, still hot. I train a lot, and especially in Singapore you realize why you put in so much time and effort.”
The track has had some revisions made to it – most notably the section between Turns 16 and 19 of the 2022 layout will now become one long 397.9m straight, reducing the total number of corners from 23 to 19. What do you make of the changes and will another long straight help or hinder the set-up of the VF-23?
“It’s going to make it a faster lap and for sure it’s going to remain a challenge. You’ll need to keep concentration but until we get to first practice, it’s too hard to judge how competitive we will be.”