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Nico Hulkenberg has requested Haas to look into an unknown issue with his car that he believes prevented a potential points finish at the Formula 1 Canadian Grand Prix.
Hulkenberg struggled as the conditions dried up (Image Credit: Bryn Lennon – Formula 1/Formula 1 via Getty Images)The German had a difficult qualifying session at the Canadian Grand Prix. He failed to get out of Q1, qualifying in 19th, which was unlike his qualifying pace throughout the rest of the season so far in 2024.
At a rain-soaked start, Haas were the only team to gamble on full wet tyres. All the other nine constructors opted for the intermediate compound.
The gamble paid off during the initial laps in heavy rain conditions. Both Hulkenberg and his teammate Kevin Magnussen cut their way through the field, both entering the top 10. However, as the conditions improved, the pair fell back out of the points.
The race in Montreal was a perfect opportunity for Haas to get valuable points. Both Ferrari drivers and Sergio Perez retired from the race, leading to Alpine’s Pierre Gasly and Esteban Ocon capitalising and scoring points.
Saturday was the issue
Hulkenberg believed that it was Saturday where the missed opportunity happened. However, the 36-year-old believed his whole weekend was compromised:
“The missed opportunity was yesterday [Saturday] and generally all weekend.
“The problem we’ve had on my car – that somehow it’s not fully healthy, I think, on the aero side or somewhere.”
“I still feel after the race that I have a problem with it, that is not fully at 100% where we’re supposed to be. But you know, obviously, you do what you can with what you have.
“But obviously, also not having the Friday, not having time to react after that is… it’s just altogether a difficult weekend with the circumstances.”
Both Haas drivers had an exceptional start on the wet tyre (Image Credit: Chris Graythen/Getty Images)Review needed ahead of Spanish Grand Prix
Formula 1 heads to Barcelona this weekend for the Spanish Grand Prix – a track that challenges all areas of the car. Hulkenberg has called for a review ahead of the Spanish Grand Prix.
“The whole weekend, especially on my side of the garage, and from lap one, I didn’t feel right and happy with the car, and we need to investigate what was going on because that really compromised our weekend,” the Haas driver added.
“Everything that happened, and then quali, cost us a better result because I’m sure with a better quali that we normally have, if we start further ahead, we would have scored points. So it’s kind of a missed opportunity.”
Haas are currently seventh in the constructors’ championship – only on seven points.
Feature Image Credit: Clive Rose via Getty Images
