Nico Hulkenberg and Kevin Magnussen were on cloud nine after scoring big for Haas in last weekend’s Austrian Grand Prix in which the pair finished respectively P6 and P8.
After qualifying a creditable ninth, Hulkenberg held his own among the top ten from the outset, eventually coming out on top of a close battle with Red Bull’s Sergio Perez in the closing stages of the race.
The German driver was clearly pumped up when all was said and done and couldn’t contain his excitement, admitting it had been a “hell of a race”.
“Especially at the end, it got so intense, but I think it was intense at the front too with Max [Verstappen] and Lando [Norris]!” Hulkenberg said.
“It was happening everywhere! It was touch and go, I was really pushing hard to keep Checo behind, but the last two laps my tyres were really done with it.
“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.
“Then he came by, but into [Turn] 3 I kind of let him edge in front so I could have DRS for the next straight, which obviously put me back in front. Then luckily it was [the] final lap because I would have not survived another lap!
“But 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.
“I think it’s confirmed now that we’re midfield on all sorts of different tracks, we are competitive, we can fight everyone. That’s really great news and I’m very happy about that.”
Hulkenberg commended Haas for their steady improvements and effective updates, feeling optimistic about the team’s trajectory.
“You’ve got to be there weekend-in weekend-out, consistency in a long season is key,” commented the future Audi driver.
“Also this year we’ve obviously worked much better and efficiently in terms of bringing updates. We’ve steadily improved the car, that means we can keep up with the others.
“We’ve got another one coming next weekend so, yeah, I’m excited for that. Silverstone anyway [is] one of my favourites, so I’m looking forward to a good week.”
On the other side of the Haas garage, Magnussen was equally delighted with his performance which helped the US outfit seize seventh in the Constructors’ standings from Alpine.
“A bit tired right now but, yeah, good race, really happy,” said the Dane.
“Nico P6, myself P8, good bunch of points for the team. Couldn’t be happier, back in the game for P7 in the championship, and just great to be back.”
Magnussen was especially happy to have enjoyed a “smooth”, consistent and drama-free weekend out on the track.
“It has been a smooth weekend, good qualifyings with no traffic – well managed there,” he added. “Two good pit stops in the race, strategy spot-on, so couldn’t have asked for more.”
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