Hulkenberg gives Sauber much-needed lift

Whilst Oscar Piastri took the win and Max Verstappen stole the headlines, Nico Hulkenberg produced something special for Sauber.

At the Spanish Grand Prix Hulkenberg drove the Sauber from 15th to fifth, giving the struggling team its best result in over three years since Valtteri Bottas achieved the same at the 2022 Emilia Romagna Grand Prix.

The experienced German had an eventful race and narrowly avoided disaster in the opening corners, but kept it clean.

He then used fresh tyres to fly past Lewis Hamilton’s Ferrari in the closing stages to secure the top-five result.

It could be worth millions of dollars for the historic team as it was lifted from last to eighth in the constructors’ season.

After his first top-five since his Renault days at the 2019 Italian Grand Prix, Hulkenberg was thrilled and a touch surprised.

“Everything clicked – good start, mega first lap, made a bunch of positions, which was the foundation for the race,” he said.

“After that, to be honest it was just a good car – good rhythm, good balance and harmony, the updates really paying dividends which was very enjoyable and great to see.

“I think before the Safety Car I was P8, and then the Safety Car kind of mixed up the race.

“I think in the end, being out in Q1 yesterday and having all new fresh tyres was the golden ticket in hindsight, so pretty ironic, but it paid off.

“Lewis, I think he was on used softs, and I still had all new (tyres) because I was out so early in qualifying.

“It just shows you what a difference it is from used to new. One lap takes a lot of energy and life out of the tyres.

“That was obviously enjoyable, but I think we’re not there really fighting with the big boys. I think we made a big step in terms of fighting with the other midfield teams.”

Image: Sauber

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