As of: April 9, 2024, 8:40 a.m
By: Hannes Niemeyer
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Does Hülkenberg's Formula 1 future lie with Haas? Ralf Schumacher has a clear opinion on this. © IMAGO / eu-images + IMAGO / Eibner
Things are going surprisingly well for Nico Hülkenberg in Formula 1. But what does the future of the German look like? Well-intentioned advice comes from Ralf Schumacher.
Suzuka – Nico Hülkenberg himself would hardly have thought it possible that the 2024 season would get off to such a good start. The last remaining German in the Formula 1 driver field impressed across the board in the first four races of the season. And that despite the fact that he drives for Haas, one of the teams that has mostly been found at the bottom of the rankings in the recent past. The forecasts for the current season were also bleak, but Hülkenberg proves how competitive you can be with a supposedly weak car.
The German's great quality: Even when things don't go well, he gets the most out of it. The Japanese Grand Prix is almost a prime example of this. It was already said in advance that the circuit in Suzuka with its many high-speed corners would pose major problems for the Haas. Hülkenberg still put in a strong qualifying. Even in the race, after he botched the restart and ended up at the back of the field, he worked his way forward and finished 11th, close to the points - Hülkenberg himself then spoke of a “little miracle”.
Hülkenberg promotes himself in Formula 1 - Schumacher has a tip for the German's future
Of course, strong performances also arouse strong desires. And the Formula 1 driver market is expecting a real earthquake for the new season. Lewis Hamilton's move to Ferrari will free up at least one spot in one of the top cars at Mercedes. A special scenario also puts Hülkenberg on the list for Toto Wolff's team. However, Team Audi, which will be joining F1 in 2026, is also said to be keen on Hülkenberg. There, however, he would have to accept a transitional year in the weak Sauber.
Or will Hülkenberg just stay with Haas? The possibility exists, but the German's contract currently expires after the season. And with young Ferrari driver Oliver Bearman, a young talent is claiming a seat in the cockpit - possibly with Ferrari's engine cooperation partner Haas. However, Hülkenbeg's performance is convincing for the US team. So what to do? If Ralf Schumacher has his way, the motto is clear.
Sky presenter makes a suggestion about Hülkenberg's Formula 1 future - Schumacher brushes it off: "Absolutely not"
“Things are looking up with the Haas,” Sky commentator Sascha Roos analyzed the Formula 1 race in Japan, raising the question for the German: “Wouldn’t it be so stupid to stay there?” Sky TV -Expert Ralf Schumacher radically brushes off the idea. “No, definitely not,” says the ex-Formula 1 driver. His reasoning: Haas is “certainly a great team and everything will get better now.” However, he doesn't see any long-term potential.
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“The structure is not in the future,” notes Schumacher. For example, necessary investments would not be made because team owner Gene Haas “has different ideas.” His conclusion: “It's a nice little team for newcomers like Bearman.” But that's not a team for an experienced, ambitious driver like Nico Hülkenberg. Haas, however, now has to get used to “working with young drivers”. As is well known, that didn't work out particularly well for Ralf Schumacher's nephew Mick.
While Mick Schumacher's chances of a permanent place in Formula 1 are likely to be in the lower segment, there is another hope for German fans for a second German driver. Sebastian Vettel is still toying with an F1 comeback, possibly even in a Mercedes. Hamilton would even welcome Vettel as his successor in his car.
(han)