As of: April 4, 2024, 10:25 a.m
By: Hannes Niemeyer
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Will Hülkenberg's Formula 1 team Haas also make it into the points in Japan? Before the race there is a big problem in the team.
Suzuka - Compared to previous years, the start of the 2024 racing season almost borders on a dream for Haas fans in Formula 1. After years of exhaustion in the premier class, the team finally seems to have a car on the track, that can at least compete for points. It's not yet enough for the top 5 teams, but the driver duo around Nico Hülkenberg and Kevin Magnussen have already achieved points in the points twice in the first three races.
So euphoria generally reigns at Haas. Hülkenberg in particular, as the only German driver in the Formula 1 starting field, knew how to impress and took two points places in the top 10. However, the start of the season for Haas was not without problems. There was trouble with the rules because of a fabulous race by Hülkenberg. A maneuver by Magnussen even ensured that the Haas team drew conclusions internally.
“Weakness shown”: Hülkenberg’s Formula 1 team plagued by worries before the Japan race
And so it is that there is not really much euphoria at the US racing team before the Japanese Grand Prix on Sunday (April 7th). Despite all the optimism, Haas is facing a major problem that could have an impact, especially in Japan. The team boss also starts to feel worried before a single tire has touched the racetrack.
Before the race in Japan, Hülkenberg's Formula 1 team Haas identified a weakness in the car. © IMAGO / Motorsport Images Zak Mauger + IMAGO / Motorsport Images Simon Galloway
For Haas team boss Ayao Komatsu, the home Grand Prix is in Japan. He is quoted as saying in a statement from the racing team that he is very “pleased” that his team has already placed in the points twice this season. It has been shown that “racing speed is better than training speed”. However, qualifying in Melbourne had already shown the major “weakness” that the new Haas car has. And this could be particularly blatant in Japan.
Haas with a big problem before the Formula 1 race in Japan: “Our car is not fully there”
The problem: The circuit in Suzuka, Japan, is full of high-speed corners, especially in the first sector. According to Komatsu, the previous races in Bahrain, Jeddah and Melbourne have shown that “our car is not fully there in the high-speed sections”. Sector one is therefore likely to be a “big challenge” for Haas in Japan. “It is important how we manage the lack of high speed, grip and balance in qualifying, because this is not an easy track for overtaking,” analyzes the team boss.
Haas' plan is to try out what works. “It will be a challenge for us, but we have a few ideas. We will do a few experiments on Friday,” Komatsu announced before the first free practice session. Meanwhile, star driver Hülkenberg's motivation remains unbroken. The German spoke in advance of an “iconic route” that was also “technical and challenging”.
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Despite a lack of speed: Hülkenberg is looking forward to Formula 1 races in Japan
Hülkenberg also knows the dangers well. “It may be the first time this year that we are on a racetrack with a high loss of power,” said Hülkenberg, who is looking forward to “really learning and seeing where we stand in this regard.”
The German Formula 1 professional is likely to hope for a next top 10 result. However, his place in the cockpit of Haas 2025 is not yet secured. And there was also recently another transfer rumor about Hülkenberg and another Formula 1 star.
(han)