Ex-F1 driver claims Nico Hulkenberg belongs in the ‘top half of the grid’ amidst the German’s Audi signing 

Nico Hulkenberg has been extremely consistent for Haas this season.

Ex-F1 driver claims Nico Hulkenberg belongs in the ‘top half of the grid’ amidst the German’s Audi signing 

Nico Hulkenberg (via IMAGO)

Former Dutch motorsport racer, Giedo Van der Garde has deemed Haas’s Nico Hulkenberg as one of the most competent drivers on the grid. Hulkenberg has been a strong force this season, securing consecutive P6 finishes in Spielberg and Silverstone.

Giedo Van der Garde has shed light upon the recent performances put in by Nico Hulkenberg, stating the respect the latter has earned on the grid over the years. Van der Garde has also claimed that the pace and prowess of the German is reckoned by many on the grid amidst his recent signing with Audi on a multi-year deal.

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He is mega-respected in the paddock, because of his personality and pure speed. He certainly belongs in the top half of the grid.
Giedo Van der Garde via FORMULA1.NL

As indicated earlier, the 36-year-old driver signed a deal with Audi earlier this year, keeping him with the team until 2026 and beyond. The German giants will be keen on extracting the maximum performance out of Hulkenberg, who will eye podiums and win for the first time in his career.

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Guenther Steiner claims Nico Hulkenberg could have been world champion in the right car

Former Haas team principal, Guenther Steiner has labelled Hulkenberg as world champion material with respect to his performances on the track. Steiner has claimed that the German has been unable to win races due to the absence of good teams in his career.

Guenther Steiner and Nico Hulkenberg
Guenther Steiner and Nico Hulkenberg (via IMAGO)
He always made the wrong decision. If he would have been a little lucky and been in a good car when he was younger, I think he could have been a world champion.
Guenther Steiner on The Red Flags Podcast

Guenther Steiner has said that Hulkenberg has been one to make wrong decisions repeatedly in his career, which has cost him dearly. The 59-year-old has further asserted, with proper luck and a good team to back his talent, the latter could have been a world champion.

Nico Hulkenberg has scored 22 points in 11 races for the Haas this campaign and has undoubtedly proven his competence to the grid yet again. The German racer will be keen on continuing his run for the team ahead of a sensational move to Audi (Sauber) in 2025.

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