Haas driver Nico Hulkenberg probably wasn’t dreaming of scoring minor points this season, but nevertheless it’s been a surprisingly good start to the 2024 campaign for the German.
He and teammate Kevin Magnussen have both already got off the mark giving them an early lead over the likes of Alpine, Sauber and Williams in the Constructors’ Championship.
Speaking to Racing News 365, Hulkenberg has admitted he’s surprised by the struggles one of his more experienced rivals is facing.
Alpine have been woeful this season and changes they made over the winter may have been necessary for long-term improvements, but they’re struggling to get out of Q1 right now.
Williams are in a weaker position too and having to sacrifice Logan Sargeant so that Alex Albon could race in Melbourne is a worrying trend.
Valtteri Bottas might have scored Sauber’s first points of the season in Australia if it wasn’t for another dreadful pit stop.
However, another driver yet to get off the mark in 2024 is Daniel Ricciardo and Nico Hulkenberg has admitted that he’s unsure why he’s struggling so much this year.
The 34-year-old took part in his 243 F1 race in his home country, but he was outclassed by teammate Yuki Tsunoda and questions are now being asked about his future.
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Nico Hulkenberg surprised by Daniel Ricciardo form in 2024
There was plenty of hope for Visa Cash App RB heading into pre-season as their relationship with champions Red Bull was further enhanced over the winter.
With the midfield so close last season, there was an expectation that RB might be at the front of that pack regularly scoring points.
However, after the first two races, neither driver looked close to a top ten finish and there was some disillusion between the two teammates.
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Yuki Tsunoda looked more capable of extracting the pace out of the VCARB 01 and proved that in Melbourne, reaching Q3 and scoring six points in the race.
Ricciardo couldn’t even get through the first section of qualifying and despite showing decent race pace still finished behind Hulkenberg and Magnussen once again in 2024.
Daniel Ricciardo struggles continuing after opening three F1 races
Asked about the Australian driver, Hulkenberg said: “No, it doesn’t really make sense and I don’t understand it.
“Because in 2019, he was very competitive and on the pace.
“Since then [he’s struggled], the McLaren times, which obviously was still the same generation cars [compared to] the new generation cars.
“It’s tricky, especially from the outside, if you don’t have all the info and all the data, it’s tricky to judge.
“But yeah, I don’t know why. I think he’s still good, but back then he was stronger maybe.”
Ricciardo faces ultimatum with Ayumu Iwasa set to drive in FP1
The next few races could be vital if Ricciardo wants to keep racing against Hulkenberg and co. in 2024.
There were reports after the Australian Grand Prix that suggested the 24-year-old faced an ultimatum that meant he had just two races to save his F1 career.
Liam Lawson is his natural replacement but his management team have denied that a change is imminent.
Ricciardo’s preparation for the next race in Japan is going to be slightly hampered.
Each team is required to give rookies a practice session in each car at some point during the season.
RB have decided that Suzuka is the perfect place to give Red Bull Junior Ayumu Iwasa his first taste of action in a Formula 1 car.
It means Ricciardo will only have two practice sessions before qualifying and given his lack of confidence in the car, having one less hour is going to be far from ideal.
The post ‘Doesn’t really make sense’: Nico Hulkenberg can’t believe how slow 243-race rival has been in 2024 appeared first on F1 Oversteer.