FEBRUARY 26, 2019

It is always tight

The competition looks like it will be very close among the midfield F1 teams this year. Does that concern Renault driver Nico Hulkenberg?

By Dan Knutson

The competition looks like it will be very close among the midfield F1 teams this year. Does that concern Renault driver Nico Hulkenberg?

"I am not concerned," Hulkenberg said on the first day of the second preseason test in Barcelona "We are aware that competition is around and competition is tight. I find it interesting as every year people say the midfield is as tight as ever, but it is always tight, it is always competitive. I have pretty much spent my entire career in the midfield so I know about it! We just need to make sure we stay on top of things, that we come through with the development that we expect from us, a big factory team.

"But for sure Alfa look strong, Haas look strong and Racing Point. There are good teams out there that we need to beat. We beat them last year, but doesn't mean we're naturally now in front of them. We need to work for it and make sure it happens like that."

The Ferrari and Mercedes power units used by Alfa/Sauber, Haas and Racing Point last year had more horsepower than the Renault last year. Does Hulkenberg think Renault has made a step forward with its power unit in 2019?

"I can say that we have made good progress there, for sure," Hulkenberg said. "But the comparison to last year is not very fair because these cars with the big rear wings have more (aerodynamic) drag which obviously affects the power and accelerating feeling. But I do feel still with more drag on the car that there is more power. feel we have made good progress on that area, but what it's worth, and if that's enough, I think we only find out when we go to qualifying and the race."