Nico Hulkenberg has experienced a dip in performance following his first Formula 1 podium with Sauber, prompting questions about whether the team’s car is facing handling problems. Recently, we have observed slightly declining results for Nico Hulkenberg and his Kick Sauber. The German driver has been under pressure in comparison with his teammate Gabriel Bortoleto, who is still in his debut F1 season. After securing third place at Silverstone, Nico has recorded some results below expectations.
The Swiss team currently sits in eighth place in the Constructors’ Championship, having scored 55 points over 17 races. Compared to last year, the team has shown a clear improvement in both overall performance and pace. Both drivers are doing an excellent job, and the team is now capable of competing in the midfield, with sixth place just 17 points away.
Wheatley’s verdict
Sauber team principal Jonathan Wheatley addressed the challenges Nico Hulkenberg is facing at this stage of the F1 season. Wheatley stated that he personally does not believe there is a fundamental problem with the car. The German driver himself attributed his result in Baku to unfortunate timing in qualifying and traffic during the race.
Wheatley emphasized that “Nico is an exceptional, experienced, and fast driver. Many times he has been beaten in qualifying by just a thousandth or a hundredth of a second. This is not always a serious issue. I think it’s only a matter of time. Gabriel is also fast, and if one of the two delivers the perfect lap, one will outperform the other in qualifying.”
It was therefore confirmed that no handling issues have been detected in recent races. Nico Hulkenberg’s current “negative period” is considered temporary and partly due to unfortunate circumstances. Wheatley concluded after the Azerbaijan Grand Prix: “With Nico, I don’t think there is anything specific to overcome. He will just need to put the pieces together. Gabriel has certainly raced on circuits he is more familiar with.”
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