Hulkenberg feels positive about “real” Formula 1 speed after claiming P3 in Spanish GP practice

Hulkenberg shows promising form in Barcelona practice session

Haas Racing’s driver Nico Hulkenberg has demonstrated impressive performance during the second practice session at Barcelona, finishing behind only Fernando Alonso and Red Bull racer Max Verstappen. This sport news comes after Hulkenberg had not raced at this track since 2019 with Renault. Despite being yet to take the final corner flat out, he managed to post a time of 1m14.177s, running only 0.27s off the pace.

The following twelve cars down to his teammate Kevin Magnussen in 15th were covered by just over half a second. Hulkenberg noted that his lap was “genuine,” but added that some teams may have underperformed or underdelivered compared to their abilities. He called for Haas Racing to remain realistic despite his strong showing. The German driver acknowledged that the Haas car is better suited for tracks like Barcelona than it was for Monaco last week when he finished 17th despite an upgraded front wing on his car.

He said: “For me, it’s important to have a good feeling in the car, a good rhythm… I managed to find that today.” Looking ahead, Hulkenberg expects fierce competition among several teams vying for spots in Q3 during qualifying tomorrow: “It’s going to be tough, tight fight again… Naturally also here; the car is just in a much happier place… It immediately gives me a better feeling compared to Monaco.” Magnussen had been seventh-fastest during FP1 but struggled with set-up tweaks later on Friday afternoon.

Overall though things are looking up for Haas Racing as they aim to improve upon last year’s dismal showing where they picked up only three points across all races.