Hülkenberg: “Monaco can deliver surprises, but there is no room for mistakes”
Ahead of one of the most prestigious events on the Formula 1 calendar, Audi drivers Nico Hülkenberg and Gabriel Bortoleto have shared their expectations for the Monaco Grand Prix. The race in the Principality offers the German manufacturer an opportunity to put a frustrating weekend in Canada behind them and focus on a circuit where precision and confidence are more important than ever.
The Montreal setback
Monaco has long been regarded as one of the most iconic and demanding weekends of the Formula 1 season. For Audi, this year’s visit to the streets of Monte Carlo could represent the perfect chance to recover from the strategic error that compromised the team’s race in Canada.
At the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve, both Audi drivers were among the few competitors on the grid who opted to start on intermediate tyres despite the track remaining dry. The gamble was based on the expectation that rain would arrive during the opening laps. However, the anticipated weather never materialized, forcing both Nico Hülkenberg and Gabriel Bortoleto to pit almost immediately and switch to slick tyres.
The unique challenge of Monaco
For Hülkenberg, as well as for his teammate, it is now time to move on from what happened in Montreal and focus on a venue where the German has produced some memorable performances in the past.
His best result in Monaco came in 2014, when he finished fifth while driving for Force India. Looking ahead to this year’s event, Hülkenberg highlighted the unique demands of racing around the narrow streets of the Principality.
“Monaco is probably the most iconic race weekend on the calendar, both on and off the track. For me, it also feels a bit like a home race, and having my family and friends around makes it really special,” he explained.
“The challenge here is unique: you need to find your rhythm from the very first lap because there is no room for mistakes and no real opportunities to recover. The midfield is incredibly close, so putting together an excellent qualifying session will be crucial. Monaco can deliver surprises, but that is exactly what makes it so special.”
Bortoleto eager to return
Gabriel Bortoleto, who remains the only Audi driver to have scored points so far this season thanks to his ninth-place finish in Melbourne, is preparing for his second race weekend in Monaco.
The Brazilian has positive memories of the circuit, having secured a podium finish in the 2024 Formula 2 Sprint Race. As he returns to Monte Carlo, he is determined to build on the momentum within the team.
“I can’t wait to race in Monaco again,” Gabriel Bortoleto said. “It’s one of those circuits where every driver wants to perform well because of its history and the driving challenge it presents, and the atmosphere is always special.”
“The morale within the team is high, and that is something we can build on heading into this event. In Monaco, everything is about confidence, precision and executing every detail correctly throughout the weekend. Our focus will be on putting together a clean set of sessions and making the most of every opportunity.”
With overtaking notoriously difficult and qualifying expected to play a decisive role once again, both Audi drivers know that maximizing every lap could be the key to achieving a strong result in one of Formula 1’s most prestigious races.
Leave a Reply