Nico Hülkenberg produced a sensational qualifying performance in Abu Dhabi, finishing fourth, with a second row start tomorrow. The Haas F1 driver notably did better than the Red Bulls and the Mercedes, and he is pleased with this performance.
The German, however, must report to the stewards after qualifying for overtaking on the pit lane exit, which was formally prohibited before the start of the weekend by Rui Marques. He could be penalized for this.
“I had a good feeling from the first place I got at one point yesterday and I knew that the top 10 was definitely possible this weekend. But I didn't expect it” Hulkenberg said.
“A lot of the top drivers are struggling a bit but the car has been good, we have been good on the execution side, so a very good qualifying for us.”
“We have shown all year that it is no longer the qualifying car that counts, that we are also good on Sunday, so I think everything remains to be played for tomorrow.”
“It's obviously going to be a challenge. There's a bunch of very similar paced cars behind us and obviously a few faster cars with Max and Checo and Carlos' Ferrari, so I'm expecting a tough race.”
Kevin Magnussen thought he could aim for Q3 but completely missed his final lap of Q2, qualifying 15th: “For some reason, the pace got away from me in Q2. It hurts to miss the last qualifying, but I have to go out on track and try to make up for it, have a good race and gain places.”
“It's clear the car has pace, I just don't know where it went. I was third after the first run in Q1 and I thought it would be a good session, but I don't know what happened. has passed.”
The Dane recognizes that getting points will not be easy for his last race in Formula 1: “I think everyone is fast, so it won't be easy. But that's how it is, we have to do our best, and I'll see if I can come back.”
