Haas Emerges as Midfield Contender After Double-Points Finish in Austria
Nico Hulkenberg has declared Haas a legitimate midfield contender in the Formula 1 standings following their impressive double-points finish in the Austrian Grand Prix. The German driver believes the team “can fight everyone” after their outstanding performance at the Red Bull Ring.
Hulkenberg’s impressive qualifying display put him ninth on the grid for the Austrian GP, which he converted into an impressive sixth-place finish. His teammate Kevin Magnussen also had a great run, moving from 12th on the grid to eighth by the chequered flag. The duo’s combined efforts earned Haas 12 points, outscoring Alpine and reclaiming seventh place in the Constructors’ standings.
“Yeah, very happy. Double points for the team and in a big way, so didn’t expect that, obviously one car out or something but still, amazing team performance today and this weekend.”
Hulkenberg’s sixth-place finish was secured after a thrilling late-race battle with Red Bull’s Sergio Perez. He admitted it was a nail-biting experience, pushing his Haas F1 machine to the limit. “I was really pushing hard to keep Checo [Perez] behind, but the last two laps my tyres were really done with it,” Hulkenberg explained. “I almost lost the car completely out of Turn 10 in a big way, went onto the gravel a bit and then had a big tank-slapper.”
Meanwhile, Magnussen was equally thrilled, hailing a “good bunch of points for the team” and saying, “Couldn’t be happier, back in the game for P7 in the championship, and just great to be back.” The Dane praised the team’s smooth weekend, good qualifying, and spot-on strategy.
Haas’ impressive performance in Austria has lifted them 10 points ahead of Alpine in the Constructors’ standings, with 19 points so far this season. As the Formula 1 calendar continues, Haas will look to maintain their competitive edge and fight for points in upcoming races.
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