Nico Hulkenberg: Five teams share a few tenths

      Nico Hulkenberg scored points in the first race of the season in Melbourne, but did not qualify for the top ten at the last stage in Shanghai. At a press conference in Suzuka, the Sauber driver answered a question about his chances of scoring points this weekend.

      Nico Hulkenberg: "The first stage of the season was successful for us, the second was not. Overall, there were more positive moments than negative ones. The first points we earned turned out to be very important for the team, but in China, especially on Sunday, difficulties arose, due to which the results did not fully reflect our capabilities. But everything is fine with the team and the car, and that makes me optimistic.

      The fight in the middle group is very tight with minimal gaps, so any little thing can have a huge effect. It's hard to say right now if our car is capable of claiming points on every track.

      Based on what we saw in the first races, the five teams in the middle group are separated by only a few tenths, and the top eight at the finish line is usually already known in advance, so there are not many opportunities for the rest to earn points. But everyone in the middle group tends to be in the top ten. If we do a better job in the coming days and weeks, we can earn points."

      Speaking about preparations for 2026, when Sauber will become an Audi factory team, Nico noted: "Last week I visited the Audi engine-building base in Neuburg for the first time. It was very interesting to meet with the staff, see the database and understand what has been happening there in the last few years. It's nice to see that everyone is working with maximum efficiency.

      Changes are happening in Hinville right now. We are improving the infrastructure and equipment of the base, and new employees are joining us. The work continues."