Nico Hülkenberg produced a standout performance during the Singapore Grand Prix qualifying session, securing an impressive P6 amidst an Q3. The German driver, who has been consistent throughout the season, reflected on his qualifying session with satisfaction, acknowledging the smooth execution of his runs while also recognising the advantage gained due to issues faced by Ferrari.
“I’m happy. I think I’ve always been on the right side of things with runs and had a good read for the track and track evo and had a good feeling in the car.
“So yeah, like you say, I think we didn’t leave much out there. Obviously, the two red cars had problems, that’s why it’s P6 and not P8, but still, even P8 and fifth-fastest team will happily take it because yesterday things were looking a bit more challenging,” Hülkenberg remarked after the session as Haas looked like potential Q1 casualties on the basis of Friday running.
The German has been driving with a newer front wing since the Dutch Grand Prix in Zandvoort, but when asked whether the upgrade made a significant difference, the Haas driver was reserved in his assessment. He said, “I don’t know. I mean, we’ve had it now since Zandvoort on my side. I don’t know. The aero guys, you know, they’re quite happy about it.
“I mean, they’re happy that it’s supposed to do what it should. I don’t know if the delta is big, I haven’t been on the other wing for a while now, but even me, you know, I still have similar traits and trends like Kevin. It didn’t change the world, but obviously, judging by today, it felt quite all right.”
With Ferrari struggling during qualifying due to Carlos Sainz’s crash and Charles Leclerc losing his time for exceeding track limits, Hülkenberg’s P6 is an advantageous position. However, he remains realistic about the race, recognising that the Ferraris will likely move past him on Sunday. His primary goal will be to defend his position and aim for “best of the rest.”
“That’s the aim. Obviously, when you start P6, you know, we will try to fight everyone else off. It’s about good race execution, you know, strategy.
“Obviously, we know historically safety cars, VSCs, you know, at various times can turn things upside down, so we’ve got to be lucky as well, stay clean, do a good job, and hopefully, we can clean it up tomorrow,” Hülkenberg said.
With tyre degradation expected to play a critical role at the Marina Bay Circuit, Hülkenberg is prepared for the challenges ahead. Though overtaking is typically tough on this street track, the degradation of the tyres could open up opportunities for drivers.
“I think it will make a difference. I think it will promote and help overtaking. It depends a little bit how bad the deg is tomorrow. If it’s not that bad, maybe not so much of a difference. If the day is bad, it will open up the chances,” he predicted.
The German driver hopes to convert his solid qualifying performance into valuable points for the Haas team. After all, as he mentioned, safety cars and virtual safety cars have historically shaken up the order in Singapore, making it anyone’s race.
