Nico Hulkenberg’s stellar qualifying performance for the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix has been slightly dulled by a three-place grid penalty, dropping him from fourth to seventh. However, the German’s pace in his “sweet spot” Haas keeps the team firmly in contention for sixth in the Constructors’ Championship, a battle with over $20 million in prize money on the line.
While McLaren looks set to seal the Constructors’ Championship comfortably over Ferrari, the real action in Abu Dhabi lies in the cutthroat midfield battle involving Haas, Alpine, and RB.
Haas’s Strong Pace Puts Pressure on Alpine
Hulkenberg’s qualifying lap was just 0.291 seconds off pole, marking Haas’s best performance of the season and showcasing a car that excels in Abu Dhabi’s crucial middle sector. Known for its straight-line speed, the Haas was fastest in that section, gaining critical time over rival Pierre Gasly’s Alpine. Hulkenberg credited the result to the car’s balance and traction: “The car just felt in the sweet spot all weekend.”
Team principal Ayao Komatsu confirmed that Haas has achieved a strong balance between single-lap and race pace, ensuring they remain competitive in the long stints. This development, coupled with the team’s late-season upgrades, positions Haas as a formidable force in Sunday’s race.
The Midfield Battle: Stakes and Scenarios
Haas currently sits five points behind Alpine in the Constructors’ standings and must outscore the French team by at least six points to secure sixth place outright. A tie would favor Alpine, given their superior results earlier in the season.
Here’s how the battle stacks up:
- Haas (54 points): Hulkenberg starts seventh, with a strong chance of points. Kevin Magnussen, starting 14th, will need to break into the top 10 to maximize the team’s efforts.
- Alpine (59 points): Gasly starts fifth, a key advantage for Alpine. Debutant Jack Doohan lines up 17th and faces a steep challenge to contribute.
- RB (46 points): With both drivers (Yuki Tsunoda and Liam Lawson) starting 11th and 12th, RB remains a wildcard, needing a standout performance to leapfrog both rivals.
Challenges Ahead for Haas
Despite the promising pace, Hulkenberg’s penalty and Gasly’s strong starting position complicate Haas’s task. Hulkenberg acknowledged the challenges, especially with faster cars like Max Verstappen’s Red Bull and Charles Leclerc’s Ferrari starting behind him. “It’s going to be a tough race with similar-paced cars around us and some quicker ones coming through,” Hulkenberg admitted.
Magnussen’s performance will also be crucial. The Dane has shown improved form recently but starts 14th after hitting a bollard in Q1 and damaging his car. Haas will need both drivers to perform to overturn Alpine’s advantage.
Gasly’s Alpine in the Mix
Gasly was candid about his struggles throughout practice but delivered when it mattered, qualifying just a tenth ahead of Hulkenberg before the German’s penalty. “Hulkenberg has been really impressive this weekend,” Gasly admitted. “They clearly had the upper hand on us, but we’ve closed the gap, and it’s set up for a great fight tomorrow.”
Alpine’s upgrades since the United States Grand Prix have transformed their car into a reliable midfield contender. However, with Doohan making his debut and starting 17th, Gasly will likely carry the team’s hopes alone.
RB: The Wildcard
RB’s Tsunoda and Lawson are well-placed to disrupt the battle. Though they’ve struggled for outright pace, their consistency and track position on the sixth row could allow them to capitalize on chaos ahead.
The Bigger Picture
The financial stakes add another layer of intensity to the midfield battle. Each Constructors’ position is worth tens of millions in prize money, with sixth place offering over $10 million more than seventh. This high-stakes fight promises to overshadow the relatively straightforward McLaren vs. Ferrari duel for the Constructors’ Championship.
What to Watch For
- Hulkenberg’s Charge: Can he recover from seventh and stay ahead of Gasly while fending off faster cars from behind?
- Magnussen’s Support: Will he climb into the points to boost Haas’s chances?
- Gasly’s Defense: Can Alpine’s lead driver hold his advantage and secure the points needed to maintain sixth?
- RB’s Upset Potential: Will Tsunoda or Lawson capitalize on the battle to shake up the standings?
With three teams vying for sixth place and millions at stake, the midfield fight is poised to deliver the most thrilling drama of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. As Hulkenberg put it, “It’s all to play for.”