Audi left the Dutch Grand Prix of Formula 1 with four points scored, after a race marked by a slightly wet track at the start, strategic decisions, and a complicated beginning. Nico Hulkenberg finished eighth, while Gabriel Bortoleto crossed the finish line in 13th position.
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The result represented the team’s fourth consecutive race in the points zone. For Allan McNish, Audi’s competition director, Hulkenberg’s performance was one of the main highlights of a race in difficult conditions.
The first lap almost ended in a bigger problem for the team. Bortoleto lost control at turn 14, still with the track wet, spinning alone just behind Max Verstappen’s accident, but managing to stay on the track, while Hulkenberg was immediately behind. Both cars managed to continue, something considered lucky by McNish.
After the restart, Hulkenberg gained positions from 12th place and advanced to eighth position: “Nico had an excellent race today,” said McNish, also highlighting the overtakes made by the German and the control of the advantage over Pierre Gasly of Alpine in the final part of the race.
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Hulkenberg described the start of the race as scary, but managed to avoid the accident and had a calmer race after that: “It was a very good race, although the end of the first lap was quite scary. I saw what was happening in front of me and just reacted instinctively, so I was relieved to avoid the incident,” he added.
The German also highlighted the importance of the points for the team. According to him, the result helps in the championship, increases the group’s confidence, and confirms that the work done is leading Audi in the right direction.
Bortoleto, on the other hand, regretted the result. The Brazilian stated that problems at the start prevented him from taking advantage of his grid position and explained that a small steering correction after noticing smoke from Verstappen’s car caused his off-track excursion. Still, he managed to avoid the wall and highlighted the good pace shown by the car as one of the positive aspects before the next stage, in Monza.
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