Sauber driver Nico Hülkenberg has had a relatively better F1 season compared to a number of previous campaigns. However, the German driver still had tough times on the track, particularly in the earlier rounds on the 2025 calendar.
He shared his evaluation of the season while also commenting on the penalty he received at the Hungarian GP.
Entering the summer break with positives
Hülkenberg acknowledged that the team wasn’t in good form when the season started as they had the slowest car on the grid.
Nevertheless, the German driver also stated that he is taking all the positives and confidence from the first half of the season heading into the Formula 1 summer break. He highlighted that Sauber demonstrated a solid progress in recent races.
The Hinwil-based team showcased an upward trend particularly after the Spanish Grand Prix at Barcelona thanks to an update brought there. The most memorable moment from this progress took place in Silverstone where Hülkenberg reached the third step of the podium for the first time, claiming his maiden F1 podium. Additionally, both drivers interchangeably succeeded to enter the points for six Grands Prix in a row.
While embracing the motivation brought by progress, Hülkenberg anticipates that their momentum will sustain in the second half of the season.
“If you look back to Bahrain testing, we were in major trouble and things were looking very grim. I mean, it started off pretty difficult.
“Then, since Barcelona, we’ve been in the points six times as a team. We had a couple of big highlights. Gabi today as well, stellar drive, fighting with the essence.
“Six times points on six very different tracks. So, I think that’s a testament to the good updates and to the work the team has put in. Very encouraging.
“We recharge now and hopefully we can continue after like this. This is the aim.”
Nico Hülkenberg on his false start in the F1 Hungarian GP
In Budapest, Hülkenberg started in 18th place. He climbed to P13 throughout the 70-lap race as they went for an aggressive two-stop.
The German driver was given a five-second time penalty from the stewards for a false start due to moving his car forward just before the lights went out.
Though Hülkenberg insisted that he did not jump the start, he was eventually penalised by the stewards.
“The car just does a little jump when you put it in first gear with the clutch. And I was a bit on the late side with that today.
“Anyway, I didn’t register that I had made a jump start. So I don’t know. It must be that.”
