Nico Hulkenberg quipped that Formula 1’s Australian Grand Prix reminded him of Le Mans due to the length of time he was in Haas’ VF-23.
Formula 1 drivers are permitted to leave their cars during red flag periods but Hulkenberg remained in his VF-23 during the multiple stoppages at Albert Park.
The race itself lasted over two-and-a-half hours once the stoppages were incorporated into the overall time.
“It was very eventful obviously, very long, reminds me a bit of Le Mans where you’re almost three hours in the car,” said Hulkenberg.
“I didn’t get out during the red flag, so it was almost I think close to three hours inside the cockpit. Felt like a long time. Overall obviously happy to score the first points of the season.“
“It was a lonely race for most of the parts, with just Lando breathing down my neck and chasing me down.
“I think towards the end of the race we experienced a little bit of tyre degradation and unfortunately he got us. Nevertheless I think a lot of positives to take from. We were competitive once again, but just super relieved and happy.”
Hulkenberg started from the foot of the top 10, ran seventh through the middle section of the race, before being passed by the recovering Sergio Perez and Lando Norris.
From ninth at the final standing restart Hulkenberg emerged from the chaos to sit fourth but was then put back down to ninth – before ultimately classifying seventh due to Carlos Sainz’s penalty and Pierre Gasly’s accident.
“I mean, it was wild and a bit messy at times,” said Hulkenberg. “I had a super start I think it was the third time around on softs and came through to P4 actually.
“A shame that there were a few incidents and they red-flagged it, otherwise it could have been a really strong result.
“But even before that, you know I think we would have come home in P9 which is obviously not as good as well P7 or P4 or something, but still a lot of positive learnings again, and I take a lot of positives out of this race and forward.
“I feel a lot of good things happening still. I’m refreshed, I’ve got a good mindset, a very positive mindset, I’m feeling hungry, I really enjoy working with the team, exploiting the car, experimenting with the car, and we’ve got a very nice rhythm and momentum.”
