Silverstone Qualifying Disappointment: Hülkenberg and Bortoleto Struggle in Q1
The Silverstone qualifying session proved to be a major challenge for Nico Hülkenberg and Gabriel Bortoleto, both facing elimination in Q1. The Sauber team had a tough Saturday, with their upgrades failing to deliver the desired performance on the track.
Hülkenberg, starting from the 19th position, expressed his frustration with the lack of pace throughout the weekend. The German driver highlighted the impact of the windy conditions on his performance, stating, “The wind made the first sector even more challenging, and I couldn’t put the lap together as I wanted.” He emphasized that Silverstone’s layout did not suit their car, unlike previous circuits where they were more competitive.
On the other hand, Bortoleto, qualifying 16th due to using older specifications following an incident in FP3, also struggled to find the rhythm at Silverstone. He acknowledged the difficulties posed by the gusty winds, mentioning, “Our car couldn’t handle the situation well, although this was a common issue for all teams.” Despite the setbacks, Bortoleto remained confident in his team’s abilities to capitalize on any opportunities during the race.
Looking ahead to the race day, both drivers are hopeful for variable weather conditions that could potentially work in their favor. As they prepare to navigate the challenges of the Silverstone circuit, Hülkenberg and Bortoleto are determined to make the most of the opportunities that come their way on race day.
