Haas F1 News: Nico Hulkenberg Optimistic for Chinese GP - 'Shouldn't Be Bad'

Nico Hulkenberg expressed confidence ahead of the Chinese Grand Prix, marking a return to the Shanghai International Circuit after a hiatus. The Haas driver reminisced about his past successes at the track and looked forward to the race weekend.

Key Takeaways

• Nico Hulkenberg is optimistic about his prospects at the returning Chinese Grand Prix in Shanghai, recalling his previous successes and favorable track characteristics.
• The Shanghai International Circuit is noted for its complex layout, including a distinctive long-radius turn and variable bumps, posing unique challenges for drivers.
• The 2024 season introduces a new Sprint format, with Shanghai hosting the first event, which includes a revised schedule aimed at enhancing race dynamics and competition.

After a five-year absence, Formula 1 makes a grand return to the Shanghai International Circuit, a venue celebrated for its unique challenges. This year marks the 20th anniversary of Formula 1 in Shanghai, an occasion highlighted by the return of the prestigious series to China after pandemic-related travel restrictions.

At the heart of the weekend's narrative is Nico Hulkenberg, a veteran driver for the MoneyGram Haas F1 Team, who holds an optimistic outlook for the upcoming race. Hulkenberg, along with his teammate Kevin Magnussen, faces a circuit that has been both a test and a testament to driver skill over the years. With upgrades coming this week to the VF-24, it's a week they'll want to utilize fully.

"I'm quite excited to go back to Shanghai; we haven't been there in so long so it will be interesting to see how the city has changed, the circuit, and I also have a good feeling about it. I like the circuit from past experience, I think my track record's pretty good there as it's a front-limited circuit rather than rear-limited, and I think naturally I get on with that style well.

"The layout of the track is quite funky, it's not a real high-speed circuit so the VF-24 shouldn't be bad around there and there are a couple of low-speed corners as well, so it should suit our car a bit better."

The Shanghai International Circuit is notorious for its 5.4-kilometer length, replete with soft marshland that frequently alters the bumps and curves drivers must navigate. One of its most distinctive features is the long-radius right-hander at Turn 1, which wraps 270 degrees and resembles a snail's shell, a challenge that demands precision.

Adding to the complexity, 2024 introduces changes to the Formula 1 Sprint format, with the Shanghai race serving as the season's first Sprint event. This revised schedule features Sprint Qualifying on Friday, a Sprint Race marking the first track activity on Saturday, followed by Final Qualifying for the Grand Prix on Saturday afternoon, and a single 60-minute practice session on Friday.

Reflecting on the Sprint format, Hulkenberg shared his mixed feelings about the previous year's events but remained open to the changes.

"Last year, we had mixed Sprint events - some good ones and some real bad ones - but personally I don't mind them. I'm always up for some change and this year the format of the sessions will be different, so I'm curious to see how that feels and how it will work out, but I'm open and excited for the weekend."

As the teams prepare for the challenges of the Shanghai International Circuit, the MoneyGram Haas F1 Team, with its duo of experienced drivers, looks to capitalize on the circuit's characteristics. With Hulkenberg's previous performances and the potential suitability of the VF-24 car to the track's layout, the weekend could indeed provide a strategic advantage to the team.