Statistics never tell the full story in Formula 1. Perhaps nobody illustrates this point than Nico Hulkenberg, who continues to show that his trophy cabinet does not reflect his ability. Hulkenberg finished the British GP in 6th place, putting together another top performance and emphasising the progress at Haas.
At the end of last season, Hulkenberg was highly critical of the poor development at Haas. The 36-year-old said the team’s uninspiring end to the season was a “message to the factory” and that improvement was necessary.
Clearly, there has been a response. In little over six months, team principal Ayao Komatsu has overseen a series of positive changes at the US outfit.
Arguably, the most significant shift has been Haas’ new development approach. Upgrades have been consistently fitted to the VF-24, with the most recent package arriving in Silverstone. This is a radical change from last season, when the team introduced their first major upgrades at the 18th round of the season.
SILVERSTONE CIRCUIT, UNITED KINGDOM – JULY 07: Ayao Komatsu, Team Principal, Haas F1 Team, speaks to guests in the Paddock Club during the British GP at Silverstone Circuit on Sunday July 07, 2024 in Northamptonshire, United Kingdom. (Photo by Simon Galloway / LAT Images)
Hulkenberg: Our pace gives me optimism for the rest of 2024
Reflecting on a superb outing in Silverstone, Hulkenberg only had positive things to say:
“I’m very happy for the team. Eight more points on the board – super valuable. More importantly, the performance is there with this update, and that makes me optimistic for the remainder of the season.
“We’re definitely in the fight now for the fifth-fastest team, which is obviously positive, and nobody expected that a few weeks ago. It’s very encouraging and very positive.
“It was a tricky race with the rain at the beginning, which wasn’t enough for inters.
“Around here, with high-speed corners and the grip like this, it was very risky, but we managed to keep it clean and got back what we lost at the start.”
SILVERSTONE CIRCUIT, UNITED KINGDOM – JULY 06: Nico Hulkenberg, Haas F1 Team during the British GP at Silverstone Circuit on Saturday July 06, 2024 in Northamptonshire, United Kingdom. (Photo by Simon Galloway / LAT Images)
The German is correct to be optimistic about the remainder of 2024. Haas have been regular points contenders in 2024, and their latest upgrades only cement this position.
Most midfield teams, including Sauber, Alpine and Williams, have already introduced their major upgrade packages. There could be small changes in the pecking order, but the general complexion of the field will be the same.
In this environment, Hulkenberg can continue to spearhead the team’s efforts to climb the standings.
Haas are already on 27 points, comfortably 7th in the Championship. Provided they keep this position, which seems like a bare minimum expectation, it would be their best finish in Formula 1 since 2018.
However, the prospect of finishing one position higher is now a realistic one. VCARB still haven’t found their stride since their Spain update package, allowing Ayao Komatsu’s team to close the gap. Considering the early indications from Silverstone, the VF-24 seems more than a match for the VCARB 01.
Of course, this does not mean that Hulkenberg will finish in the top-6 in the next twelve races this year. Still, the trajectory at Haas is obviously positive.
On the opposite side of the pit lane, Ferrari are struggling with their development. Considering that Haas are a customer team of the Italian squad, their upward growth in 2024 is all the more impressive.
