In an unique interview with Paddock Journal, Audi’s first manufacturing facility Components 1 driver, Nico Hülkenberg, emphasises the significance of Ayao Komatsu’s contribution to his present F1 crew and the way F1’s notion in Germany can develop once more.
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Haas has a brand new crew principal for this season. Has the affect of Ayao’s work already been seen, and is the crew on the right track?
I believe Ayao is doing an excellent job, and clearly, many new issues are coming at him after he switched to the crew principal place. It’s not all in regards to the engineering and technical aspect anymore, however he additionally has to cope with the business facets of operating a Components 1 crew.
I do know that he’s bought rather a lot on his plate. He has already made some good adjustments to our technical infrastructure and moved some issues round. It’s been optimistic, and we’re on the right track.
I do know he’s bought rather a lot on his plate.
Nico Hülkenberg
You’ll be becoming a member of the Audi undertaking subsequent 12 months. What do you concentrate on F1’s notion in Germany?
From my perspective, I’ve observed a resurgence of curiosity in Components 1 in Germany. It’s vital to keep in mind that Germany has all the time had a robust presence within the sport, with the Schumachers, Seb, Rosberg, and Mercedes. We’ve constantly carried out at a excessive degree, and I imagine this pattern will proceed.
It’s anticipated that, ultimately, there will likely be a saturation impact. We’ve seen that, and perhaps we’ve been by that cycle. F1 has modified a bit for the reason that new house owners took over; they’ve reworked it and made it extra funky and entertaining. It’s once more on the map in Germany, and I’m optimistic about its future. Audi’s entry will even contribute to the game’s recognition in Germany.
Wanting again to 2010, what are probably the most vital adjustments in your driving fashion now? What are the principle enhancements? What’s made you such a rounded driver now?
It’s a steady course of for any driver, not only for me. You always attempt to enhance your driving abilities and enter.
And yeah, it simply takes time. In any case these years with completely different generations of vehicles, you always continue learning, adjusting, and enhancing your self. So it’s like in any sport: whether or not you’re a tennis participant, golfer, or basketball participant, you all the time attempt to enhance your sport and get an edge over the competitors.
Fernando Alonso talked about a number of instances that you just’re probably the greatest drivers on the grid. How does it really feel to obtain compliments like this out of your rivals?
I imply, it’s good. It’s higher than mentioning you the opposite means round or not mentioning you in any respect. I suppose it’s an indication of respect, and now we have mutual respect.
We’re each form of two of the oldies on the grid proper now, holding up the oldie flag. However we nonetheless take to each other with the younger guys, so just a few extra years to return for each of us.
In all probability I’ll go to a match and watch it.
Nico Hülkenberg
As you talked about, you’ve bought loads of years left in your F1 profession, however what will likely be subsequent for you? Do you could have some post-F1 profession choices in thoughts?
I don’t know, and I don’t give it some thought, to be sincere, as a result of I’ve to be absolutely invested within the current to maximise the subsequent couple of years.
I really feel like pondering forward to the long run or what I’d do afterwards can be a waste of vitality and time. I already know what I’m going to get as a result of the break I had gave me a bit perception into what to anticipate if I ultimately retire. Nevertheless, don’t fear; I’ll discover stuff to maintain me busy and blissful.
We’re in Monaco this weekend. Is Monaco nonetheless probably the most prestigious race on the calendar?
Completely, sure. I’ve lived in Monaco since 2015. This will likely be my eleventh Monaco Grand Prix, and I’ve watched the race many instances rising up. Monaco is iconic; it’s all about custom. It’s a journey on a knife edge, difficult yearly, and certainly one of my favorite tracks to drive.
I sit up for the journey and the problem.
Lastly, Germany goes to host Euro 2024 this summer season. Are you going to comply with the matches, and what do you count on from the German nationwide crew?
I believe I’ll positively comply with. I’m not going to look at each sport, however the German one’s for positive. I’ll in all probability go to a match and watch it. I haven’t been to a soccer sport in a very long time, in order that looks as if an excellent event. Alternatively, we’re additionally fairly busy in July, so let’s see.
