Nico Hülkenberg isn’t typically the first name that comes to mind when people think of Formula One. Hülkenberg has been in some form of F1 car for over a decade, but drivers like Max Verstappen or Lando Norris are typically some of the first names that come to mind when people think about Formula One. He currently sits tenth in the season’s standings, but considering his constructor and the movement he’s made on the track, he’s shaping up to be one of the best drivers this season.
Hülkenberg is an old hand when it comes to racing. The driver began his karting career at 12. He continued his career as a teen in Formula BMW and Formula Three. He came in first five times during that period, and earned his spot in Williams as a reserve driver in 2009. While he only pole-vaulted once with the team, Hülkenberg has also seen success in the World Endurance Championship, winning the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 2015. This year, he’s sitting as a top driver with Kick Sauber.
Many fans were surprised that Hülkenberg ended the Austrian Grand Prix in points over the weekend. He started the race on a sour note, after qualifying last after locking up his brakes in turn four. That left him with the slowest time, putting him in P20. His teammate Gabriel Bortoleto qualified better in eighth and ended the race in the same spot. That doesn’t mean Bortoleto was the superior driver in Austria.
Hülkenberg’s disappointing start didn’t stop him from some serious movement. This was the third time in a row that he picked up points, successfully giving the ninth-place spot to Sauber after starting in the back of the field. This is also the first time this year the team has gotten double points. Sauber is now in ninth place in the constructor standings, with 26 points. While that might not seem like much, it’s a fair sight better than last year’s tenth place and four-point finish.
Hülkenberg’s success with Sauber has been a surprise for many F1 fans because of the team’s competitive car over the last few years. Last season is a perfect example. The team’s C44 was considered extremely slow, with poor aerodynamics and handling problems, along with minimal downforce production. This, along with several crashes and technical issues, caused drivers to retire early. The team ended the year last in the Constructors’ Championship, which also means they have nowhere to go but up.
This year’s car looks much more successful. The C45 incorporates re-engineered aerodynamics, better cooling, and new suspension. Those improvements have shown up on the track. The Spanish Grand Prix is a good example of this, with Sauber being able to overtake Ferrari’s Lewis Hamilton during a late Safety Car. The addition of Hülkenberg to the team can’t be overlooked, either. His re-acquaintance with the team after being sent to Haas for several years seems to have kick-started their success.
Hülkenberg’s consistent performance might be his greatest asset on the track. Most drivers need several races or even a whole season to get used to a new car. Carlos Sainz’s latest move to Williams can be used as an example. He drove with Ferrari last year but lost his seat to Lewis Hamilton. While he’s had some success with Williams this year, many people believe his problems come from the learning curve of getting a new car.
Hülkenberg doesn’t seem to be having the same learning curve that other drivers report. He’s adapted to his new team, and his racing world tenure helps give precise feedback when things need to change. It also doesn’t hurt that he has a successful background in endurance racing with his win at Le Mans.
Fans can’t dispute that someone like Verstappen, the current four-time champion, or Hamilton, a seven-time champion, might be the best drivers on the track. While they deserve all the accolades they receive, drivers like Hülkenberg should also be celebrated. Not only has he proven he can move through rough traffic, but he’s beaten a Ferrari in a Sauber, something no Formula One fan believed they would ever see. He might not become a champion, but Hülkenberg’s success with a brand new team might make him one of the most successful drivers of the year.
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