Hulkenberg experienced interruptions of frustration
In the world of Formula 1, the 15th round of the 2025 season took place in the Dutch town of Zandvoort on August 31. Aston Martin had a strong weekend, making the battle for fifth place in the constructors' championship even more intense. For Nico Hülkenberg and his team at Sauber, the upcoming race presents an opportunity to build upon recent improvements in their performance.
Hülkenberg, who will be partnered by Gabriel Bortoleto in 2025, praised the Sauber team for unlocking the car's potential since the Barcelona race. Bortoleto himself scored valuable points for Sauber in the Hungarian Grand Prix, further bolstering their fight for fifth place.
The track in Zandvoort, which runs along the North Sea coast and is 4.259 km long, is known for its challenging nature. Hülkenberg enjoys driving on this track due to its smooth, fast layout that creates a good rhythm, but also acknowledges the unpredictable weather conditions that can make the race chaotic.
Hülkenberg, a veteran driver, attended a media session on August 28 in preparation for the race. He expressed his disappointment about the four-week hiatus after the Hungarian Grand Prix, stating he wished he could have raced immediately after. However, his focus is on the upcoming challenge in Zandvoort.
Improvements in Sauber's performance are a result of teamwork, with drivers providing feedback on areas that need improvement. Hülkenberg attributed his recent weaker qualifying performances to small details such as execution, the quality of his lap, and the out-lap. Despite this, he is known for his quick lap times on Saturdays, and he and his teammate Bortoleto are credited for Sauber's progress.
Hülkenberg had positive comments about the Zandvoort track, stating it is smooth, fast, and creates a good rhythm, but also challenging due to the weather conditions. He referred to his first F1 podium finish in early July at the British GP, hoping for similar success in Zandvoort.
Hülkenberg dismissed criticism from other drivers about the simulators, stating that the new cars next year will be a whole different ball game. He also acknowledged that many teams can fight for fifth place in the constructors' championship, and one race day can significantly change the standings.
Hülkenberg and his team set the direction for the team's progress, which is crucial in every team. As they prepare for the unpredictable weather conditions in Zandvoort, they remain focused on the present, with 99.9% attention, and will soon be moving to the simulator for the 2026 cars. Audi, the future team of Hülkenberg, will be pleased to hear the improvements in Sauber's performance, as they look towards the future of Formula 1.
