Nico Hülkenberg commits to racing as long as he can outperform the rising stars of Formula 1.
Nico Hülkenberg is not yet ready to hang up his helmet and gloves, having signed a contract with Audi F1 for 2025 and beyond. The current Haas driver still feels capable of competing at the top level and plans to stay there.
“As long as I can keep up with the young ones and beat them, I will continue,” said Hülkenberg, who remains a huge fan of Formula 1, to GP Blog.
“I enjoy it. The three-year break I had was quite good and healthy for me.”
“I was able to disconnect, step away from Formula 1 and racing, detox, and shift my perspective a bit. How I perceive and see the sport. I’ve rediscovered my passion for racing, which is obviously important in this field.”
He acknowledges that the relationship between F1 and drivers is unique, as it can be obsessive, despite the constraints and the very high level: “F1 is a bit like a drug, because the adrenaline rushes one feels are very competitive.”
“Obviously, as a driver, you are in the spotlight, in the driver’s seat. You have a lot of responsibilities, lots of adrenaline rushes and kicks from doing the qualifications and the races. It’s a fascinating industry and job.”
“F1 is the pinnacle of motorsport. It’s the ultimate challenge. The best drivers, the very best of everything, the most dynamic and fastest cars in the world. When I was growing up, this is where I always wanted to be. This is what I aspired to. That’s why I wanted to come back here and nowhere else.”
Staying Physically and Mentally Fit
Hülkenberg is uncertain how long he will remain in Formula 1, but he outlines what will signal his departure: “I don’t have an expiration date. I’ll stay as long as I’m performing, and I think I’d be the first to admit it and say it’s time for a youngster to take over.”
“But obviously, it takes a youngster to come and kick my butt for that to happen. But as long as I can keep up with them and beat them, I think I need to feel happy. I think as long as I feel happy and am enjoying myself as I am now, I will continue.”
The goal for a driver is to stay mentally sharp, and the German believes he has managed to do so over the years: “I think I’ve always been good. But in F1, the season is long. It’s hard to be always at 100%, to optimize every weekend.”
“I think that’s one of the big challenges of Formula 1 today. Over 24 weekends, you need to make very few mistakes, eliminate bad days or minimize them as much as possible. It’s all about mental space. You need to be happy, you need to be hungry. You can’t artificially produce or simulate that feeling.”
“That’s what I’m feeling right now. That’s why I feel very happy and comfortable in my position and in my skin, and I look forward to the rest of this season and the years to come,” continues the German, who notes that physical fitness also plays a role.
“Many people in the audience still don’t appreciate and understand how physically demanding participating in a Formula 1 Grand Prix is. But we see in many cases, with Fernando, with Lewis, who are even a few years ahead of me, they are still capable of doing it.”
Youth Spent in the Netherlands
Hülkenberg would have liked a more decorated Formula 1 resume, but he asserts he is satisfied with what he has shown: “With Max, it’s a nation that will always support someone if you win, if you’re at the front and if you’re the champion.”
“It was the same with Michael 20 years ago. And with Vettel, when he had his moments of glory. When you are in Formula 1, but not making enough impact at the front, it doesn’t happen. That’s reality.”
“Obviously, I would have liked to have had a more successful career. I would have liked to win a world championship title or something like that. But I am happy. I am happy where I am. I know what has happened in my career. But at the end of the day, I am happy and enjoying my life.”
He himself could have taken Dutch nationality for his career: “My first steps in racing and karting took place in the Netherlands. My first driving experience was in Eefde, my first races took place in Holland.”
“That had meaning and impact at the time. I’ve always had a good relationship with Holland. As I said, I grew up with the Dutch, with CRG Holland, from the age of ten. It has left its mark on me.”
- You may also like>Sainz Takes Lead in Scorching Hungary EL1 Race
- Following us on>Facebook and>Twitter
Hülkenberg: “F1 a Drug I Can’t Quit, I’ll Race On” Hülkenberg: “F1 a Drug I Can’t Quit, I’ll Race On”
