via Reuters
Formula One F1 – Bahrain Grand Prix – Bahrain International Circuit, Sakhir, Bahrain – March 18, 2022 Aston Martin’s Nico Hulkenberg during the press conference REUTERS/Thaier Al-Sudani
via Reuters
Formula One F1 – Bahrain Grand Prix – Bahrain International Circuit, Sakhir, Bahrain – March 18, 2022 Aston Martin’s Nico Hulkenberg during the press conference REUTERS/Thaier Al-Sudani
Nico Hulkenberg replaced Sebastian Vettel for Aston Martin in the Bahrain Grand Prix. Aston Martin ruled the four-time World Champion out due to COVID-19 ahead of practice in Bahrain. However, Hulkenberg struggled throughout the week. He finished 17th in the race after three cars retired whereas his teammate Lance Stroll finished P12, seven position ahead of him.
Giving it his all after a late call-up. 👊
Tap below to read our race report, presented by @aramco, and see what else @HulkHulkenberg had to say about the #BahrainGP.
— Aston Martin Aramco Cognizant F1 Team (@AstonMartinF1) March 20, 2022
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Hulkenberg is the reserve driver for Aston Martin and is in line to race again in Saudi Arabia if Vettel remains out. The 34-year-old last raced in F1 during 2020 and found it hard after two years’ time. He revealed his experience with the car and his thoughts on the difficult start to the season.
Also Read – Why are Mercedes Struggling Against F1 Rivals Red Bull & Ferrari in 2022?
Hulkenberg reveals his experience in Aston Martin
Sebastian Vettel contracted Covid-19 and was forced to miss a race for the first time in his career. As a result, Nico Hulkenberg was called in as his replacement. The flexible experience in Formula 1 is a crucial aspect that Aston Martin relies on. And he started well as he finished ahead of his teammate Lance Stroll in qualifying.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
via Reuters
Formula One F1 – Bahrain Grand Prix – Bahrain International Circuit, Sakhir, Bahrain – March 20, 2022 Alfa Romeo’s Valtteri Bottas and Aston Martin’s Nico Hulkenberg in action during the race REUTERS/Thaier Al-Sudani
However, things went downhill during the race as he struggled with race fitness and pace. He said, “It was difficult, very difficult. At the beginning it was okay, but I was just hanging on, it was tough for me.” Hulkenberg also revealed managing the car was difficult, and admitted that he knew he will find the race difficult.
He took the positives and stated that it was a learning experience with the car. He also stated his troubles while overtaking and his struggles throughout the race. The Aston Martin driver added, “It was a big learning experience, it went okay, then I tried to overtake someone, out-braked myself into Turn 1 then it was after that a downward spiral then I got lapped quite soon and you just fall back and back more and more. It was what it was.”
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Watch this Story – Top 5 Williams F1 Liveries of All-Time
The 34-year-old also conveyed that he has a reference point to work towards during simulation. He will remain on Aston Martin race duty as Vettel is yet to return. And he could continue his duties if the four-time World Champion is ruled out for the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix. For now, Nico Hulkenberg will look to capitalize on his opportunities and improve his performance.
