Hulkenberg Reverses F1 Qualifying Slump Against Teammate Bortoleto
Nico Hulkenberg has successfully reversed his mid-season qualifying slump against rookie teammate Gabriel Bortoleto, winning the last four head-to-head battles. Initially trailing significantly, Hulkenberg attributes his turnaround to 'pulling his finger out' and improving his car relationship, which also led to recent points finishes, boosting his team's performance.
Nico Hulkenberg has addressed his sudden and significant turnaround in qualifying form after struggling to match his rookie teammate Gabriel Bortoleto over one lap for a substantial part of the F1 season. The veteran driver has now outqualified the Brazilian in the past four rounds, signaling a strong resurgence.
Why it matters:
After initially holding an advantage, Hulkenberg's mid-season slump raised questions about his pace against a rising rookie. His recent turnaround not only reaffirms his one-lap ability but also provides crucial momentum for his Stake team as they head into the final races of the season, potentially impacting constructor standings and future driver market dynamics.
The details:
- Mid-Season Dip: Hulkenberg began the season with a 4-2 qualifying advantage by the time the paddock reached Europe. However, a drop in his one-lap pace, combined with significant improvements from Bortoleto, saw the rookie pull ahead.
- Rookie's Ascent: By the time the F1 calendar left Europe, Bortoleto held an 11-6 lead in their head-to-head qualifying record, showcasing a remarkable adaptation to Formula 1.
- Hulkenberg's Comeback: The 37-year-old has since enjoyed the upper hand for the past four rounds, including the São Paulo Grand Prix, narrowing the overall deficit.