Hulkenberg Celebrates 250th Grand Prix with Special Helmet in Abu Dhabi
Nico Hulkenberg will celebrate his 250th Formula 1 Grand Prix at the Abu Dhabi season finale, honoring the milestone with a special helmet design. This achievement places him among F1's most enduring drivers. Despite a recent setback in Qatar, Hulkenberg has had a strong season, securing his first podium and outperforming his teammate. He now aims to finish in the top 10 of the championship, a testament to his consistent performance over 15 years in the sport.
Nico Hulkenberg is set to mark a significant career milestone at the Formula 1 season finale in Abu Dhabi: his 250th Grand Prix start. To commemorate this special jubilee, the German driver will sport a uniquely designed helmet, celebrating 15 years in the sport.
Why it matters:
After a career spanning a decade and a half, reaching 250 Grand Prix starts is a testament to Hulkenberg's longevity and enduring presence in Formula 1. This milestone highlights his consistent performance and dedication, placing him among an elite group of drivers who have achieved such a feat. For fans, it's a moment to appreciate the journey of a driver often seen as an 'F1 veteran' and a reliable competitor.
The Details:
- Special Helmet Design: Hulkenberg's celebratory helmet features a prominent '250' on one side and his initials 'NH' within a crest on the other. The design is predominantly white with bronze elements, adopting an industrial, retro aesthetic that nods to his debut season in 2010.
- Elite Company: Only twelve drivers in Formula 1 history have contested more race weekends than Hulkenberg. He is currently behind legends like Fernando Alonso, who leads with 424 GP participations. With his upcoming move to Audi in 2026, Hulkenberg is projected to surpass Jarno Trulli, Riccardo Patrese, Daniel Ricciardo, and Felipe Massa, breaking into the top 10 all-time.
- Recent Performance: Despite a recent setback in Qatar where he collided with Pierre Gasly, leading to a puncture and retirement, Hulkenberg has enjoyed a strong season overall. After challenging pre-season tests for Sauber, significant updates allowed him to deliver, securing eight points finishes, including his first-ever podium in Silverstone.
- Team Internal Battle: Hulkenberg has also demonstrated his experience and skill in the intra-team battle against rookie Gabriel Bortoleto. Although Bortoleto occasionally outshone him in qualifying earlier in the season, Hulkenberg has since pulled ahead, losing out only once in sprint qualifying since Singapore and accumulating 30 more points than his young teammate.
What's next:
Hulkenberg's focus will now be on the final race in Abu Dhabi, where he has a chance to conclude the season in the top 10 of the drivers' championship. He currently trails Isack Hadjar and needs to secure two more points than the Frenchman to achieve this goal, a feat he last accomplished in 2018 during his time with Renault. Looking further ahead, his move to Audi in 2026 signals a new chapter, promising to further solidify his legacy in the sport.