Nico Hulkenberg Q&A: United States Grand Prix
October 16, 2023
Nico looks ahead to this weekend's US Grand Prix, as we go racing in the States for the second time in 2023.
MoneyGram Haas F1 Team returns to where many consider its home, the US Grand Prix. It will be your first time at COTA racing for America’s F1 team, what do you already know about this event, and what are you expecting from the week?
“I’ve been racing at COTA since its first year on the calendar and it’s a great event, very different to others. I’ve experienced one home race already in Miami, and that was a very busy week, so I’m expecting another. It’s quite unique to be a Formula 1 team and have the majority of your partners coming from the same country.
"This event is mainly unique because of the fans – they’re super enthusiastic, and many have come from watching ‘Drive to Survive’ – so I’m looking forward to seeing a lot of Haas fans, or at least a lot of Guenther Steiner t-shirts!”
We know you’ve been patiently waiting for this update, and now it’s here. What were your inputs into improvements needed to the car and what are you expecting from this package – in relation to helping both short-term and long-term, thinking ahead to next season?
“The update is highly anticipated, it’s been a long time coming and it’s aimed to improve our performance, characteristics, and the weaknesses of the car we’ve found which has made us struggle especially on Sunday. It’s to help tire wear, consistency, and better performance. Kevin and I since the beginning of the season, or after every session, feedback our findings and feelings to the engineers and designers.
"Hopefully, there’s a big jump in performance, but also, we need direction for next year – where we’re going to go with this car, which philosophy we’ll follow and which direction to take.”
Coming to the business end of the season, and it being an apt location, how do you assess your first season at MoneyGram Haas F1 Team and hopes for next season?
“Obviously on track it hasn’t delivered what we’d hoped for. Being able to capitalize on Saturday’s pace and show off what the car and I can do has been fun, but points are given on Sunday so the trend of falling back during the race hasn’t been fun.
"Nonetheless, I’ve really enjoyed working with this team and building those relationships with the crew in the garage, and my engineering team and getting to meet the team working hard back at the factories. This update is an indication of what this team strives for and I’m looking forward to the upcoming races and the next season with them.”