German Formula 1 works team: Oracle Kai Pflaume: Nico Hülkenberg catches fire at Audi

He is “pretty sure” that Nico Hülkenberg will get his first points. And Pflaume, who didn’t draw attention to himself with solid prophecies during his TV career, was actually right.

Pebble and push of a button

In front of Audi CEO Gernot Döllner, of all people, the only German driver in the field raced into the points for the new German works team in ninth place for the first time in the last race before the summer break. This is called timing. “That was the first time that things really went smoothly,” said Hülkenberg with relief. “Then the reward finally came.”

Until Budapest, it had been a year of missed opportunities for Hülkenberg. In Monaco he had already crossed the finish line in ninth place, but a contact with Williams driver Carlos Sainz subsequently earned him a ten-second penalty. And in Barcelona, ​​a thrown up pebble literally ended his promising race early at the push of a button: the emergency stop mechanism on the car was activated.

“The Hulk is back”

“It’s been a bit difficult so far,” said Hülkenberg. “There was always something in the way” until Hungary. Until then, only his Brazilian teammate Gabriel Bortoleto, who like the Rhinelander still has a contract for the coming season, had scored three points for Audi.

“We all want to be successful. But if it doesn’t work out for various reasons, then the frustration can build up,” explained Audi racing director Allan McNish, who was appointed a few weeks after the sudden resignation of team boss Jonathan Wheatley shortly after the start of the season. Something like that eats away at you. But Hülkenberg ignited in the Puszta. “There was a lot of fire in him. The Hulk is back.”

The timing was just right. Also because Döllner, who had only inherited the Formula 1 project, was able to see live on site what Hülkenberg was capable of. Hungary is also an important location for the group because engines and vehicles are produced in Győr, west of the capital Budapest. A touch of home game for Audi.

The car manufacturer with the four rings has been participating in the premier motorsport class as a works team since this season. Audi took over the Swiss Sauber racing team for its ambitious project worth billions, which was controversial within the company at a time of slumping profits and massive savings plans in the industry. The chassis, which is considered successful, also comes from Hinwil. The company’s own engine – a mammoth task for a quasi-newcomer – is being built in Neuburg an der Donau. And would like to have more power.

“We are still in the initial phase, in the construction phase. But we are growing, we are constantly improving, working on all fronts and processes,” said Hülkenberg before he said goodbye after intensive months for the short summer break. “The signs are pointing in the right direction.”