Nico Hülkenberg targets a smart Formula 1 strategy for the Monaco Grand Prix, leveraging home advantage and Sauber’s street circuit strengths.
Hülkenberg is pleased to be racing at home this weekend. The Sauber F1 driver lives in Monaco and simply exits the circuit through the tunnel to reach his residence, making the weekend logistically easier.
“It’s straightforward logistically, we don’t think much about it, I just go through the tunnel as I come from the other side, it’s convenient. It’s a nice feeling to stay at home and go to work, I’ve done it several times but it’s always special,” Hülkenberg said.
The Swiss team must capitalize on the potentially strong performance of its car. “We have to work for it, do what’s needed. It’s a slow-speed circuit, which has seemed to suit our car. Everything is still to play for, it’s Monaco, and the two mandatory stops will bring a new dynamic. We’ll see how it goes.”
Confidence Key in Monaco
The German driver shares the keys for drivers looking to avoid mistakes in the tight city streets. “More than anything, you need confidence, you have to be comfortable in the car, be in control, and able to push close to the walls without overdoing it.”
“And session by session, you build that confidence and get closer to the limit. In qualifying, you need to string a lap together but that’s never easy in Monaco. Still, it’s an iconic circuit and one of my favorites.”
Hülkenberg believes the two mandatory stops could be the key to pulling off a major strategic move. Could we see early back-to-back stops or pit stops during a safety car period? He confirms there are indeed many options on the table.
“There are plenty of ideas for this, some more obvious than others, and no one will have a monopoly on them. It depends on your starting position, the dynamics of the first lap, and it adds unpredictability, so we go into it with an open mind.”
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