Nico Hulkenberg claims Haas’ car troubles could be long-term

Despite Nico Hulkenberg finished the Belgian Grand Prix last in 18th position.

Haas driver Nico Hulkenberg (Image credit: Daily Express)

In the 2023 season, Haas has experienced a mix of highs and lows. While there have been some standout moments, like Nico Hulkenberg‘s commendable sixth-place finish in the Wet Austria Sprint, the team has struggled to maintain consistent point-scoring performances. The last points-scoring result was Kevin Magnussen‘s 10th-place finish in Miami. Hulkenberg faced a troubled weekend during the Belgian Grand Prix, further adding to the team’s struggles.

Nico Hulkenberg admitted that fixing Haas’ VF-23 achieving significant improvements is complex. He remains hopeful about improving the situation during the season, but the extent is uncertain and will depend on their efforts. Success for the team is a long-term endeavor.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gdmZMQrvQi0

“Think we understand the cause and what happens and why it happens,” said the German after finishing last in the Belgian GP. But fixing it and bringing loads of performance, it doesn’t just lay on the street; it’s a bit more complex. I think we can still improve the situation this year,” the German driver is quoted by Autosport.com.

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Nico Hulkenberg highlight’s the VF-23’s weakness at Spa-Francorchamps

IMG COM 20230802 1917 34 7872 — Nico Hulkenberg at the 2023 Canadian Grand Prix (Image credit: Racingnews365)

Haas’ VF-23 has shown impressive speed during Qualifying, consistently demonstrating strong performance over one lap. However, the team has faced challenges in translating this speed into a competitive race pace. As a result, both drivers, Nico Hulkenberg and teammate Kevin Magnussen have found it difficult to secure points in races.

Hulkenberg expressed his thoughts, stating that upgrades were necessary, but more importantly, the team required significant improvements and real performance to enhance their competitiveness. He mentioned that the weaknesses of their car were evident during the race at Spa, making it challenging to be competitive in any session. He also acknowledged the need for extensive work at Haas to address these issues.

Helmut Marko on the rumours linking Nico Hülkenberg to a Red Bull seat

He replies with a wink ?
"Let's put it that way. We'll get him (Nico Hülkenberg) for qualifying and Perez will then drive the race."

[@kleinezeitung] pic.twitter.com/25JgVx8heA
— RBR Daily (@RBR_Daily) July 28, 2023

“Yeah, we need it,” he said. “But what we really needed is some upgrades, some real performance, to help ourselves. That’s what we need. “Obviously, this track [Spa] again exposes the weaknesses of our car very much. That’s why we’ve not been competitive on any session on any lap, really, I feel. So, a lot of work to do,” he further stated.

In the Belgian Grand Prix, Sprint race In Hulkenberg began from the back after missing the flag in Qualifying. On Sunday, he opted for a pit-lane start due to new components. After a poor run throughout the race, German came home in P18.