Nico Hulkenberg deems VF-23’s performance issue a ‘long-term’ problem for Haas
Nico Hulkenberg is not pleased with how the VF-23 has fared in comparison to the cars of rival teams.
Follow Us
Nico Hulkenberg (Formula Nerds) and Haas VF-23(Credits: F1)
Nico Hulkenberg, since returning to the pinnacle of motor racing, has been in sensational form for the Haas F1 team. He has done most of the points-scoring so far but is not too pleased with the state around the VF-23. The car has proved to be a potent weapon on a one-lap pace, but when it comes to the race trim, it is nowhere near its rivals.
Nico Hulkenberg feels there are no immediate solutions to the gremlins on the VF-23 and does not see any major improvements coming during the second leg of the 2023 F1 season. While he has been amazing behind the wheel of the Haas car, the machinery hasn’t been able to perform as he expected.
He was recently asked to dwell on the same at the Belgian GP and while talking about it with Motorsport, he said, “I think we have understood the cause, what happens, and why it happens. But to solve the problem and increase performance, you can’t find the solution on the street, it’s a bit more complex.”
“I think this year we can still improve the situation. To what extent, this is up to us, and we have to prove it. But yeah, it’s a long-term thing, for sure. The German starlet has made it clear Haas has completely understood what is hindering the VF-23 this year but has also admitted that it won’t be possible for his team to come up with quick solutions.
Nico Hulkenberg believes Haas has got a lot of work on its hands
The Haas F1 team is 8th in the Constructors Championship and is equal on points with the Alex Albon-led Williams outfit. Hulkenberg feels the ongoing summer break was much-needed for his team and said, “Yes, we need it [the summer break]. But what we really needed was some updates, some real performance, to help us.”
“That’s what we need. Obviously, this track [Spa] exposes the weaknesses once again of our car. That’s why we weren’t competitive in any session or lap, in my opinion. So there’s a lot of work to do.” The 35-year-old is quite frustrated with the VF-23’s performance output and sees a lot of work ahead of his team.
The first leg of the 2023 Formula 1 season has proved to be a mixed bag for Guenther Steiner and Co., and considering what Nico Hulkenberg said at Spa-Francorchamps, it is going to be fascinating to see how potent the VF-23 would prove to be during the second leg of the ongoing F1 campaign.
In case you missed it:
- Carlos Sainz’s camp rubbishes rumors of a pre-contract with Audi for 2025
- Helmut Marko advises Michael Andretti to buy the Alpine F1 team
Stay Updated!
Rishabh Negi
(3244 Articles Published)