Nico Hülkenberg (Audi): “Then we’ll have the best chance...”

Can Audi pick up more points at Spa and build on its success in England? After the German team had gone seven race weekends without scoring any points and had frequently failed to finish, they finally managed to score points again two weeks ago at Silverstone: Gabriel Bortoleto secured four points with an eighth-place finish. In doing so, he tripled his team’s points tally for the season from two (in Melbourne) to six. The German Nico Hülkenberg, however, is still without any points.

“Encouraging signs”

Audi’s racing director Allan McNish said ahead of the trip to Belgium: “We have consistently held our own at the front or near the front of the midfield, and getting back into the points after a few races where we finished just outside the points was a well-deserved reward for all the work done behind the scenes. Above all, though, there were encouraging signs throughout the weekend.”

Everyone is pulling in the same direction

The Scot observes: “There’s a positive atmosphere within the team. Everyone is pulling in the same direction.” However, the circuit in Belgium is particularly energy-intensive. Engine power plays a particularly significant role. Audi isn’t exactly known for having a powerful engine. McNish: “Spa is a demanding circuit and presents a different challenge for our cars compared to Silverstone, but it’s another good opportunity to make further progress.”

Home race for Hülki

German Audi works driver Nico Hülkenberg is looking forward to the race weekend, which is taking place not too far from his home: Hülkenberg’s birthplace, Emmerich am Rhein, is just 220 kilometres and a little over two hours’ drive from Spa-Francorchamps.

Hülki: “Spa is a true classic on the calendar. I’m looking forward to getting back out on the track. If we can put in a flawless weekend, we’ll have the best chance of coming home with a solid result.”

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Spa: FP1

FIA Formula One World Championship

17.07.2026 - 13:15