Hulkenberg's 'instinct' earns praise after Zandvoort near-miss

Nico Hulkenberg's quick thinking to avoid a potentially severe collision with teammate Gabriel Bortoleto at the Dutch Grand Prix drew high praise from Audi boss Allan McNish, who said "some people have it" when it comes to instinctive reactions.

Why it matters:

The opening-lap near-miss at Zandvoort could have ended both drivers' races and caused a major accident. Hulkenberg's decision to go left while blinded by smoke highlights the razor-thin margins in F1 and the value of experience in chaotic moments.

The details:

• In damp conditions, Bortoleto lost control at the banked final corner, spinning 360 degrees and creating a smoke screen.
• Hulkenberg, following closely, had to choose a direction without seeing the stricken car. He went left, narrowly avoiding a T-bone.
• McNish compared the moment to "Days of Thunder," the 1990 NASCAR film, and praised both drivers for their composure.
• "There is an instinct, and it's an instinctive knowing where to go and what to do," McNish said. "Some people have got it, some people don't."
• He also credited Bortoleto for keeping the car in the middle of the track, preventing it from hitting the wall.

What's next:

The incident serves as a reminder of the challenges Audi faces in its debut season. With both drivers unharmed, the team will look to move on and build momentum in the coming races.