Hulkenberg has demonstrated impressive speed since his comeback as a full-time driver in 2023. He consistently reaches Q3 and has even achieved a qualifying position as high as second in Canada, although he faced a penalty setback in Montreal.
The car, unfortunately, has consistently lagged behind in races and exerted excessive pressure on its tires.
During the initial part of the season, his top achievement was securing seventh place in Australia. Additionally, he managed to achieve sixth place in the sprint event of the Austrian GP.
Hulkenberg has expressed that the team is aware of the necessary steps to enhance the car, but emphasizes that these changes will not occur quickly.
“After finishing last in the Belgian GP, the German expressed that we have a grasp on the reason, the occurrence, and the underlying factors behind it.”
“However, enhancing it and achieving significant improvements is not a simple task; it involves a more intricate process.”
“I believe there is room for improvement in the current situation within this year. The extent to which we can improve is yet to be determined, and it is our responsibility to demonstrate it. However, it is important to note that this is a goal that may take some time to fully achieve.”
Hulkenberg believes that the team will benefit from the summer break as it comes together again.
“Yes, we require it,” he stated. “However, what we truly require are enhancements, genuine advancements, to assist ourselves. That is our true necessity.”
It is evident that the Spa track once again highlights the significant flaws in our car. As a result, we have not been able to perform well in any session or on any lap. It is clear that there is a great deal of work ahead of us.
At the beginning, Esteban Ocon from Alpine A523 is in the lead, followed by Zhou Guanyu from Alfa Romeo C43, Logan Sargeant from Williams FW45, and the rest of the competitors.
Photo by: Zak Mauger / Motorsport Images
Hulkenberg experienced a challenging time in Belgium, referring to it as a “difficult weekend.” He began the sprint race from the rear after encountering hydraulic problems, and was unable to set a lap time in the main qualifying session due to insufficient time caused by the issue.
He utilized his final starting position to acquire a fresh Ferrari power unit and gearbox without incurring any significant consequences. Consequently, he commenced the race from the pitlane due to car modifications in parc ferme, ultimately concluding in 18th place.
“It has been a rather unpleasant weekend for us,” he stated. “Therefore, we will consider it a loss, start anew, gather ourselves, and return after the summer vacation, hopefully with more strength. I now have a brand new engine, so let’s observe how much progress it enables us to make.”
The only bright moment in his race came from his pitlane start when he made places on the first lap, passing the ailing Oscar Piastri plus Daniel Ricciardo and team-mate Kevin Magnussen as drivers were caught behind the slowing McLaren at the bottom of Eau Rouge.
“I overtook Danny once we reached the summit of Eau Rouge,” he stated. “To clarify, there was a significant collision occurring at the base of Eau Rouge.”
“They all had to elevate and yield to one another in order to avoid collision, while I descended rapidly, closing the distance at full speed. It was quite amusing.”
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