Nico Hülkenberg’s F1 Italian GP lasted all of one formation lap, but the veteran German driver’s perspective from the sidelines provided unique insights into what could have been a promising weekend for Sauber at Monza.
Heartbreak before the racing begins
Just as the field prepared to tackle the legendary circuit, Hülkenberg’s F1 Italian GP race was over before it began. A hydraulic issue spotted by the team’s engineers forced the immediate retirement of his car at the end of the formation lap, leaving the experienced driver as an unwilling spectator to what would unfold as a dramatic afternoon of racing.
“No, for me everything felt fine, I think something happened on the grids because it got a bit hectic just before the start of the formation lap, but for me everything was still ok, but obviously, they saw a big issue on the data,” Hülkenberg explained when asked about any warning signs.
The timing couldn’t have been more frustrating. With several drivers starting from the pit lane due to power unit changes, including Isack Hadjar and Pierre Gasly, opportunities were there for the taking in what promised to be a chaotic opening stint.
From driver to observer
While his Sauber teammate Gabriel Bortoleto lined up on the grid, Hülkenberg found himself in an unfamiliar position, watching the action unfold from the garage rather than being part of it.
“I still follow the race, I’ve been in the garage, looking over the engineers shoulders, keeping track of how things go, with the degradation, what the balance is doing, what the car looks like, just follow the race on TV to know what happens,” he described of his unexpected role as observer.
When asked about whether he could still contribute strategically from the sidelines, Hülkenberg was realistic about his limited influence: “It’s difficult, probably not really.”
Silver linings amid disappointment
Despite the early setback during the F1 Italian GP, Hülkenberg remained philosophical about the technical failure that denied him what could have been a points-scoring opportunity. The weekend had shown genuine competitiveness from the Sauber package, with the team well-positioned to capitalise on the mixed-up grid.
“Yeah, definitely, for me, for the team, obviously no one wants that, no one intended that, so it’s frustrating and disappointing for us. It is a technical sport and unfortunately sometimes these things can and do happen, you’ve got to take it on the chin. On the good side is we’ve been competitive this weekend, and Gabi scored some valuable points for the fight in the championship,” Hülkenberg reflected.
Indeed, Bortoleto’s performance provided some consolation, with the Brazilian managing to secure valuable championship points despite the challenges of wheel-to-wheel combat with more established machinery.
A different vantage point
From his unexpected position in the hospitality area, Hülkenberg had a unique view of the race’s key moments, including teammate Bortoleto’s battles further up the field.
“He was at the back of the group with Mercedes and McLaren. Obviously, Antonelli was a bit out of position after lap one, didn’t see the first period too much, but then came through Williams’ strategy with Albon paid off with the reverse,” he observed of the midfield action.
When pressed about whether watching from the sidelines offered any learning opportunities, Hülkenberg was characteristically pragmatic: “It depends, sometimes yes, sometimes no. I didn’t have to think so. I watched from the comfort of the hospitality. In peace.”
Focus on Baku
Despite the setback at Monza, Hülkenberg’s focus remains firmly on maximising the remaining opportunities in what has been a competitive season for Sauber. With the championship fight intensifying and the flyaway races approaching, every point will be crucial.
“Well, just to maximise our opportunities, score as many points as possible and have fun, nail it,” he stated when asked about his ambitions for the remainder of the season.
