Nico Hulkenberg claims teams like Haas need to “push their luck” to score points after controversial Saudi Arabian GP

The Saudi Arabian GP helped the Haas F1 team to achieve a crucial point. The race saw controversial moves from Kevin Magnussen to facilitate Nico Hulkenberg to score points. The Haas F1 Team currently occupies the sixth spot with just one point hence it was imperative to score points. Hence, the German driver has reckoned that these kinds of strategies are necessary.

Nico Hulkenberg pointed towards the Saudi Arabian GP and how the top five teams occupy the top ten positions. This disallows the bottom segment of teams to have a shot at scoring points down the race. As a result, Hulkenberg asserted that the teams and drivers needed to do something ‘unorthodox’ like Kevin Magnussen did. This might not be logical or pertain to common sense, but it would allow the American team to get an impressive result.

I think in races like this race [in Saudi] when, currently we have the top five teams, if they stay in the race, that's the top 10 taken, So, I always feel you have to do something unorthodox and something not so [logical] or what seems like common sense.

Hulkenberg said, as reported by motorsport.com.

Apart from the tricky moves, Hulkenberg highlighted that midfield drivers had no choice but to push their luck and do something different. The 36-year-old recalled other moves from the past and how they paid off well. Hence, the German driver is hopeful of better results down the season and potentially a comfortable finish in the standings. It must be noted that Red Bull demanded FIA to take action on Magnussen’s tactics to facilitate his teammate.

You have to obviously push your luck a little bit and do something different, offset yourself and, like in the past, that has often paid off.

Ayao Komatsu praised Nico Hulkenberg and Kevin Magnussen for teamwork in Jeddah

New Haas Team principal Ayao Komatsu praised the valiant efforts of his drivers to ensure scoring points down the race. Komatsu recalled how the team was fighting for P10 against eight drivers. Hence, every move needed to be ‘perfect’ to ensure scoring points for the team.

[It] was an amazing team effort and I’m so happy that it was from great teamwork. We were fighting for P10 - one point - but against eight other drivers, so everything had to be perfect to take the opportunity.

Komatsu said, as reported by motorsport.com.

Additionally, the team principal recalled the time when the Haas crew realized Magnussen’s lack of chances of scoring points. Komatsu mentioned how K-Mag drove fantastically well and fended off well against the trailing drivers. Nico Hulkenberg had also previously mentioned how he would repay Magnussen’s risky tactics which helped him score a point.

Once we realised [Magnussen] was out of points contention, we made a great call and Kev drove fantastically to hold those guys back while setting a target lap time, and Nico drove faultlessly.

Hence, Haas is off to a great start following the maiden points of the 2024 season. Time will tell about how the bottom order of the teams copes against the American constructor. Currently, things are looking strong and hopeful for the Haas F1 team.

In case you missed it:

• WATCH: “Dodge, duck, and dive” Max Verstappen’s wild reactions while making way through a mega-wreck during sim-racing goes viral
• Alpine star Esteban Ocon names the ‘most naturally talented’ drivers on the current F1 grid

Stay Updated!

Join our newsletter to receive exclusive updates and curated insights directly to your inbox.

Subscribe NOW