Nico Hulkenberg delivered a sensational performance in qualifying for the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, placing his Haas in a remarkable fourth position on the grid, ahead of four-time world champion Max Verstappen. The German driver, who turned 37 this year, achieved his best result of the season in an effort that puts Haas in contention for a critical sixth-place finish in the Constructors’ Championship.
Hulkenberg’s Impressive Qualifying Run
Hulkenberg, who briefly held provisional pole, ended up just 0.291 seconds off Lando Norris’s fastest lap. His performance not only outshone Verstappen’s Red Bull but also underlined Haas’s competitive strides in the season finale.
“I had a good feeling from P1 yesterday,” Hulkenberg told Sky Sports F1. “Top 10 was definitely possible, but this? No, I didn’t expect that.”
Hulkenberg credited the team’s execution and the car’s improvements, which have turned Haas from a qualifying specialist to a more consistent race performer. “We’ve shown all year it’s not just a quali car anymore. We’re good on Sundays too, so there’s all to play for tomorrow,” he added.
A Tough Race Ahead
Despite the strong starting position, Hulkenberg anticipates a challenging race. With faster cars like Verstappen’s Red Bull, Sergio Perez’s RB20, and Charles Leclerc’s Ferrari starting behind him, the German expects fierce competition.
“There are a bunch of very similar-paced cars behind us and obviously a few faster ones with Max, Checo, and Leclerc, so I expect a challenging, tough race,” he admitted.
Haas, currently sitting on 54 points, is in a tight battle with Alpine (59 points) and RB (46 points) for sixth place in the Constructors’ standings. Hulkenberg’s performance provides the team a massive opportunity to secure a strong finish.
Under Investigation for Pit Lane Breach
However, Hulkenberg’s celebrations might be short-lived, as the German is under investigation for allegedly overtaking in the pit lane exit during Q2. Video footage showed Hulkenberg sneaking past an Alpine and attempting to overtake Lance Stroll’s Aston Martin, a move prohibited by the Race Director’s Event Notes.
If found guilty, Hulkenberg could face a grid penalty, jeopardizing his stellar starting position. “It’s obviously frustrating to hear that,” Hulkenberg said when informed of the investigation. “But we’ll wait for the decision and focus on preparing for tomorrow’s race.”
The Stakes for Haas
Hulkenberg’s remarkable qualifying performance could be pivotal for Haas’s season. A strong result in Abu Dhabi would mark a significant achievement for the team and bolster its standing heading into 2025.
His teammate, Kevin Magnussen, starts from 15th, adding to the team’s challenges in securing vital points.
Final Thoughts
As the season finale approaches, all eyes are on Nico Hulkenberg. Whether he starts from fourth or suffers a grid drop penalty, his performance in qualifying has already solidified his place as one of the standout drivers of the weekend. For Haas, the Abu Dhabi GP represents both a high-stakes opportunity and a significant step in their competitive evolution.
Can Hulkenberg convert his impressive pace into points and help Haas achieve sixth in the Constructors’ Championship? The answer awaits under the lights of Yas Marina.