Racing Point’s super sub Nico Hulkenberg put a starring performance in the qualifiers to take third on the roster for the 70th anniversary Grand Prix, behind only the two Mercedeses of the pealman Valtteri Bottas and Lewis Hamilton. And after sitting at home without an F1 drive just 10 days ago, the German driver admitted that he was shocked to qualify so high on the net.
After failing to start the British Grand Prix last Sunday, before the team confirmed that he would be replacing Sergio Perez again this weekend, Hulkenberg made life difficult for himself in Q2, running wide at Chapel on his first flying round and had to finish it. But his second attempt brought him through to Q3, while his last push round of qualifying was good enough for third on the roster, ahead of Max Verstappen’s Red Bull.
Read more: Bottas beats Hamilton to take 70th anniversary GP pole as Hulkenberg stars
“I tried to squeeze everything out of the car, the tires, myself – that’s a challenge this weekend too!” said Hulkenberg. ‘And yes, to really be here.
“Quali was still difficult. In Q2, I made life a little hard for myself and was afraid I would damage the car. And then Q3 was head down, full beans, what I had. A little surprised to be honest to stand here, but of course a big smile on my face.
“We always had a good one round this weekend,” he added. ‘I was pretty confident we could make it into the top 10. But to be third, I did not really expect that and also, I could not really think too much about it to be honest. That of course a bit of a surprise, but for today a fun one to take. ”
70th Anniversary GP Qualification: Dust flies as Hulkenberg runs wide
Despite his impressive qualification, however, Hulkenberg complained that he had not taken the start of last weekend’s Grand Prix, saying that the lack of racing experience would “hurt” his chances as he sought the stage finish he had so far. to in his 177 Grand Prix has started off…
“That will definitely do tomorrow, have no experience from last week and have not been through the motions there with the beginning and everything,” he said. ‘Because it’s still new with this car. We will do what we can, I will try to learn fast and keep the car where it deserves to be.
Read more: Why Nico Hulkenberg’s British GP comeback was heroic – even if he did not race a shot
“To be honest, these are very difficult and challenging circumstances,” Hulkenberg added, when asked if he thought he could put P3 on the roster in that first stage, “but I know I have a have fast car under me, so it’s just sure trying to do everything right.
‘Of course starting, Lap 1, it will be new to me too. But I think I’m just trying to get it right with every experience I have and then we’ll race. Of course I’m a few races behind the other guys, but I still know how I feel. I will try not to think too much, just keep my head down and have a good race tomorrow. “
ONBOARD: Hulkenberg’s epic Silverstone P3 qualifier
READ MORE: Hulkenberg confirms talks with F1 teams over full return of 2021
After riding the Racing Point RP20 alone for the first time last Friday, Hulkenberg also managed to qualify three places higher, and more than three tenths faster, than local teammate Lance Stroll. But despite being open about looking for a full-fledged F1 return for 2021, Hulkenberg said he was more focused on Sunday’s race than the question of whether his performances had the advantage of him with the F1 team boss.
“It’s only Saturday,” he said. ‘There’s always Sunday that’s the most. It’s definitely one of the nice little highlights, but it’s not time to celebrate, because tomorrow is the big day. ”
